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Biggest question facing each Chicago Cubs starter in 2016

By Paul Steeno

Mar 16, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey (L) and catcher Miguel Montero talk in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey (L) and catcher Miguel Montero talk in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 16, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey (L) and catcher Miguel Montero talk in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher John Lackey (L) and catcher Miguel Montero talk in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

What is the biggest question facing each Chicago Cubs starting pitcher heading into the 2016 season?/h]

The Chicago Cubs enter the 2016 season as the Vegas favorites at 4 to 1 odds to win its first World Series Championship since 1908.

A flurry of free-agent acquisitions has coupled with the returning pool of talent to produce a team that has gone from surprise contender in 2015, to the favorites to win it all in 2016. Although sometimes overshadowed by the array of exciting young position talent, the Chicago Cubs starting pitching staff and its impending performance next season coulddetermine whether this Cubs organization realizes its goal of winning the World Series.

Former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher John Lackey joins incumbents Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks and Jason Hammel as the projected five starters for the 2016 season. Collectively, they are a talented group on paper; however, each pitcher enters the 2016 season with a serious question mark about their game.

Inherent weaknesses, possible performance reciprocation, untapped potential and possibilities for redemption involving one or more of the Chicago Cubs starters are some of the major questions these players must answer.

Next: Mr. Cy Young and an innings limit

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