The Chicago Cubs picked up right where they left off in 2017. As they have reloaded for the coming season, 2018 should have a familiar look.
Last year, the Chicago Cubs entered the year in unfamiliar territory. For the first time in 108 years, they were the defending World Series champions, the team with a target on their back. However, they appeared ready to defend that title, with a strong lineup and a pitching staff that had been through the postseason battles.
Surprisingly, the Cubs started off slowly. They fell behind the surprising Milwaukee Brewers, and were under .500 as late as July 14th. However, from that point, the Cubs began firing on all cylinders, ending the year with a 90-72 record, winning the division by 5.5 games. However, they were unable to get back to the Fall Classic, losing the NLCS in five games to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Heading into this year, the Cubs once again have high hopes. And yet, they appear to have taken a step back. Yu Darvish was a major free agency splash, and Tyler Chatwood has the makings of being an underrated signing, but there are concerns. The Cubs bullpen is a giant question mark, particularly at closer. Brandon Morrow is currently penciled in as the Cubs closer, but he has all of 18 saves in his career, with only two coming since 2009.
The Chicago Cubs are a team that seems incomplete heading into the 2018 campaign. And yet, they may still have enough to win the NL Central, and go on a run in the postseason.