Scouting the Cubs' competition: Ugly days ahead for Starlin Castro and the Marlins

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The expectations couldn't be any higher for the 2018 Chicago Cubs. 

It's 2016 all over again. The goal isn't just a trip to the playoffs or another NL pennant. It's World Series or bust for this group of North Siders.

With that, let's take a look at all of the teams that could stand in the way of the Cubs getting back to the Fall Classic:

Miami Marlins

2017 record: 77-85, 2nd place in NL East

Offseason additions: Lewis Brinson, Starlin Castro, Cameron Maybin, Garrett Cooper, J.B. Shuck, Scott Van Slyke, Jacob Turner, Elieser Hernandez, Caleb Smith, Magneuris Sierra, Sandy Alcantara

Offseason departures: Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, Dee Gordon, Ichiro Suzuki, A.J. Ellis, Dustin McGowan, Basically Everybody But J.T. Realmuto

X-factor: Ummm...Derek Jeter?

Seriously, the only X-factor with this franchise right now is ownership. Will the Marlins trade Realmuto or anybody else? Will it even matter? (probably not)

Projected lineup

1. Lewis Brinson - CF
2. Derek Dietrich - LF
3. Starlin Castro - 2B
4. Justin Bour - 1B
5. J.T. Realmuto - C
6. Brian Anderson - 3B
7. Cameron Maybin - RF
8. Miguel Rojas - SS

Projected rotation

1. Jose Urena
2. Justin Nicolina
3. Odrisamer Despaigne
4. Jacob Turner
5. Elieser Hernandez

Outlook

Nobody would blame you if you haven't heard of half the names listed above that are slated for key roles in 2018. 

Poor Starlin. It's gonna be a long year for him in Miami, as this roster is destined for 100+ losses after shedding almost every big-league caliber player.

Bour — a former Cubs farmhand (25th round pick in 2009) — is a solid player and will probably be traded at some point, too along with Realmuto.

Brinson is an intriguing prospect who came over from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Yelich trade and may represent some of the only excitement surrounding the South Beach squad this season.

Unfortunately for the Cubs, the Marlins pulled a swap off with each of the North Siders' NL Central rivals, dealing away stud outfielders Yelich (Brewers) and Ozuna (Caridnals) to the division.

Prediction: Last. In everything.

Complete opposition research

Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
Arizona Diamondbacks
Colorado Rockies
San Diego Padres
Miami Marlins
Philadelphia Phillies
Atlanta Braves
New York Mets

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