What a time to be a Cubs fan.
After the fastest season start in franchise history, the North-Siders are expected to make their 2nd postseason appearance in as many seasons. 7 Cubs have been selected to the 2016 All Star game in San Diego, including 2015 Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta, 2015 Rookie Of The Year Kris Bryant, and 2016 MVP candidate Anthony Rizzo. Chicago certainly has the means to go all the way.
But they aren’t the only ones. Here are 5 teams that could spoil the Cubs phenomenal year:
New York Mets (47-38)
The Mets were the dream killers last year, sweeping Chicago in four games in the National League championship series, and have continued to hurt the Cubs this season. Chicago went 0-4 in their regular season series against the Mets. It’s not guaranteed that the Mets will make the postseason, but it’s possible. Needless to say, I don’t want to see 6’ 6” Noah Syndergaard and his 95-99 mph fastball again this year.
San Francisco Giants (54-33)
It’s an even number year, which means that the Giants are scheduled to win another World Series (previously won in 2010, 2012, 2014.) Jokes (or prophesy?) aside, the Giants have a solid rotation lead by Johnny Cueto and 2014 World Series MVP, Madison Bumgarner. They’ve got the experience and talent necessary to end the Cubs' dream season.
Washington Nationals (51-36)
Reigning MVP and 4x All Star, Bryce Harper, leads a roster stocked with an excellent balance of battle-hardened veterans and thirsty youngsters. Having been overshadowed by Chicago for the first half of the 2016 season, you can guarantee that the Nats will be gunning for the Cubs when postseason rolls around.
St. Louis Cardinals (44-41)
Is there another professional sports rivalry that has been more one sided? The St. Louis have 11 franchise World Series titles. All these titles have come within the time that Chicago has waited for their 3rd. The scrip was flipped last year however, as the Cubs beat the Cards in postseason play for the first time ever. To rub salt in the wound, the Cubs acquired star right fielder Jason Hayward from the Cardinals this past off-season. Twitter was a bunch of fun for me that day. Still, there’s no denying that the Cardinals organization know how to win, and could prove troublesome for the Cubs as the season progresses.
Chicago Cubs (52-33)
The words “World Series” have been associated with the Cubs since spring training. And although it’s baseball, where anything and everything can and will happen, it feels as if this is Cubs season to lose. No one expected the Cubs to be contending for the National League title last year. This year, it is expected that they win it.
Will the young Cubs roster be able to handle the pressure? Will they stay healthy? Will they be able to win when it counts?
All these questions will be answered soon.
(All stats are accurate as of July 8th, 2016.)
