Chicago Cubs
Opening Day 2021: 5 Cubs keys to success — or demise
As the Cubs open their National League Central title defense Thursday against the Pirates, it’s a salary-trimmed roster with 18 players in walk years that embarks on what looks like a crapshoot of a season.
Will a new-look, softer-tossing rotation perform well enough to provide an unproven bullpen with enough leads on enough days to keep them in the division race for six months?
Will a mostly returning lineup bounce back from its two-month team slump during the 2020 pandemic season?
Will they get off to at least a good enough start to keep the would-be buyers at the trade deadline at bay?
Here are the five keys to how the Cubs will win the division again …
Or sink in the worst division in baseball.
Will a new-look, softer-tossing rotation perform well enough to provide an unproven bullpen with enough leads on enough days to keep them in the division race for six months?
Will a mostly returning lineup bounce back from its two-month team slump during the 2020 pandemic season?
Will they get off to at least a good enough start to keep the would-be buyers at the trade deadline at bay?
Here are the five keys to how the Cubs will win the division again …
Or sink in the worst division in baseball.
USA TODAY
As the Cubs open their National League Central title defense Thursday against the Pirates, it’s a salary-trimmed roster with 18 players in walk years that embarks on what looks like a crapshoot of a season.
Will a new-look, softer-tossing rotation perform well enough to provide an unproven bullpen with enough leads on enough days to keep them in the division race for six months?
Will a mostly returning lineup bounce back from its two-month team slump during the 2020 pandemic season?
Will they get off to at least a good enough start to keep the would-be buyers at the trade deadline at bay?
Here are the five keys to how the Cubs will win the division again …
Or sink in the worst division in baseball.
Will a new-look, softer-tossing rotation perform well enough to provide an unproven bullpen with enough leads on enough days to keep them in the division race for six months?
Will a mostly returning lineup bounce back from its two-month team slump during the 2020 pandemic season?
Will they get off to at least a good enough start to keep the would-be buyers at the trade deadline at bay?
Here are the five keys to how the Cubs will win the division again …
Or sink in the worst division in baseball.