2017 MLB Season Preview: Da Windy City predicts Chicago Cubs and White Sox season
Staff contributors Khari Thompson and Josh Marshall
Khari:
Chicago Cubs: 103-59 ,1st in NL Central
Preview: Having to possibly pitch to Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rizzo at the top of the lineup would keep starting pitchers up at night all season long, and adding Wade Davis could mitigate the loss of Aroldis Chapman at the end of games. But will the heavily used arms of Jon Lester (without his partner-in-crime David Ross) and Jake Arrieta hold up through another deep postseason run? My gut says a World Series repeat could be a tough proposition.
Chicago White Sox: 65-97, 4th in AL Central
Preview: With the White Sox in full-blown rebuilding mode (still waiting on a Jose Quintana trade), this should be a really long season for the South Siders. That said, with the likes of Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito, and Michael Kopech working their way through the minor leagues, the Sox will at least get a glimpse of what could be an exciting future soon.
Josh:
Chicago Cubs 95-67
The Cubs will battle with the Cardinals for the division and they will outlast St. Louis and win the division by 5-6 games. I see the Cubs struggling with the bullpen early but figuring things out. The Cubs will make a deep playoff run and lose in the National League Championship Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chicago White Sox 67-95
The Chicago White Sox will struggle this season and that’s no surprise. The pitching staff will be a big reason why they struggle. Aside from Jose Quintana, I don’t see another starter getting above 11-12 wins on the season. I also look for the Sox to make some trades at the deadline to add to their already stellar farm system. Quintana, Todd Frazier, and David Robertson are all players I expect to be moved this season.