2017 MLB Season Preview: Da Windy City predicts Chicago Cubs and White Sox season

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Co-editor Carlos Nazario

Cubs

Expect the Cubs to get off to another great start. They might not get off to the historic start they had last season, but they will run out and hide for most of the season much like they did in 2016. I don’t think they’ll finish with the 103 wins they had in their championship run. They will probably win 95 games and finish first again in the NL Central. The Cardinals will try to make a run, but they just don’t have the firepower up and down the roster to keep up with the Cubs.

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Last season, the Cubs struggled without Fowler in the lineup, so will his departure hurt the offense? I think having Kyle Schwarber there will mitigate the concern. Schwarber may not be your prototypical lead-off hitter by sight, but all he does is get on base, something you want from the top of the lineup. His presence on the bases will put pressure on opposing pitchers and give Bryant, Rizzo, Addison Russell, and Javier Baez plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.

The double play combination of Russell and Baez will give the Cubs the best in Major League Baseball. Those two are ready to take the next step in stardom. Baez already displayed the same flair and key hitting and great defense he showed in the playoffs.

While some feel the bullpen may be a question, I think that unit should be a strength. Davis is among the best closers in baseball even though he did battle some injuries. There are also plenty of other relievers who have closing experience and could step in just in case.

The concern I have is the starting rotation. Kyle Hendricks will have another stellar season. His work ethic is just fantastic, and with him not winning last season’s Cy Young Award, he may be motivated. Lester, Jake Arrieta, and John Lackey all have a lot of miles on their arms. It will be interesting to see how they progress this season.

The Cubs will have the top record in the National League again. They will cruise in the NLDS, and I see a rematch of last year’s NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. I feel awful for saying this, but I feel the Dodgers are on a mission in 2017 (similar to the 2016 Cubs) and I see them eliminating the Cubbies in an exciting seven-game series.

White Sox

Things are considerably different on the Southside of the city. The White Sox have no visions of grandeur. They know this season will be a struggle. Wins and losses in 2017 are not a priority. Developing the youngsters and possibly seeing a couple of them eventually make it to the Major League level.

The Sox will struggle throughout the 2017 season. Their ace is Quintana, and there is a trade clock on him. Rumors have been flying about him and trades since last year’s trade deadline. Expect him to stay at least until July. The drama will run until the trade deadline again, and the White Sox would be wise to pull the trigger and receive another treasure trove of prospects.

The Minnesota Twins have some good young talent already on the Major League roster, so if they put it together, they could finish ahead of the White Sox. The White Sox roster may be completely different AFTER the trade deadline than before it. With Renteria as the manager, they will hang in there. After possible trades, however, the roster just won’t have enough experience to win many battles in August and September.

Next: Are awards in Kyle Schwarber's future?

Cubs fans know what Sox fans are going to feel this season. They felt it when Theo Epstein urged them to keep faith in the plan. Ultimately, their faith was rewarded. In a few seasons, though, the battles between these two teams may be something special to watch.

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