Call to the pen
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Chicago Cubs 2017 Team Preview

By Joe Favia

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (left) and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (right) hold the Commissioner's Trophy during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (left) and first baseman Anthony Rizzo (right) hold the Commissioner's Trophy during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 17, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) in the bullpen during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) in the bullpen during spring training camp at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Center Field

The Cubs made a move in the off-season that could come to be fruitful this season in bringing in veteran Jon Jay. Jay was brought in presumably to replace Dexter Fowler and will have a chance to play center field along with young up and comer Albert Almora. Jay, a lifetime .291 hitter, had his best days in St Louis, before a short one-year stop in San Diego last season. If they can get anywhere near the production from Jay that they got from Fowler it will be considered a strong pick up.

Fifth Starter

Brett Anderson was a move that the Epstein-Hoyer braintrust hope will answer any questions related to the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Anderson, who’s best season came in Oakland as a rookie in 2009, is looking to stay healthy, and bring stability to the back-end of the rotation. With possible free-agent paydays and retirements looming for other starters for the Cubs, Anderson can create a long-term home for himself. He will be competing with Mike Montgomery for starts in what should be a unique battle all season long.

Closer

Having lockdown relievers is a trend that is taking over baseball. The Cubs saw first hand what kind of an impact the likes of Andrew Miller, Kenley Jansen, and Aroldis Chapman can have in terms of affecting a game. After Aroldis Chapman left for a payday in pinestripes, the Cubs got aggressive in acquring hard-throwing Wade Davis. Davis who is coming off back-to-back All-Star appearances, and a World Series title in 2015 with Kansas City, was a move that needed to be made.

Bullpen

Fortifying the bullpen with the likes of Davis is key. The Chicago Cubs also brought in lefty reliever Brian Duensing in the off-season. This will be Duensing’s first go-around in the National League after spending time in Minnesota and Baltimore. Soon to be 42-year old Koji Uehara also could help in the bullpen. The former All-Star and ALCS MVP could help bring the games to the stopper Wade Davis.

Big Bat

Another addition to the 2017 club was someone who was there all along. None other than Kyle Schwarber. The former first-round pick who returned from a gruesome knee injury to DH in the World Series should be back to full form this year. With most of his time in the outfield, and some platoon catching chances, everyone knows his money is made in the batters box. Adding Schwarber’s bat to the already menacing Cubs lineup is going to create big problems for opposing teams all season.

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