Every year when the Packers get eliminated from the playoffs in the first round (or decide to lose to the Lions twice at home and not make the playoffs) is usually when I start getting really jacked up about baseball season. NOTE TO THE READERS: I started a draft of this blog back in January, wrote this line, got depressed, and stopped writing it. Thanks Green Bay.
This off-season has been especially interesting with the departure of a Cubs legend and the arrival of some exciting talent. Are the Cubs ready to make a WS push this year? No. But could they be a sneaky playoff team, fun to watch, and ready to open the window and never shut it again? Absolutely. Let's discuss where this excitement is stemming from...
Pitching Staff
Let's start with the Pitching Staff. Yeah, not signing a guy like Carlos Rodon or Kodai Senga was a little disappointing but this front office has really put an emphasis on drafting and developing pitchers. Couple that mindset with possibly striking gold with a few trades over the past year and this rotation could surprise a lot of people. What it looks like:
1 - Marcus Stroman
2 - Jameson Taillon
3 - Justin Steele
4 - Drew Smyly
5 - Hayden Wesneski
Bullpen: Fulmer (closer), Boxberger, Alzolay, Thompson, Hughes, Rucker, Assad, (Probably someone else that I don't know who will be a revolving door kind of guy)
Jordan Wicks has the potential to break into this starting rotation at some point this year. The former 2021 first round draft pick, who relies heavily on offspeed pitches and location, seems close to major league ready.
Injured: Kyle Hendricks
Offense/Bats
This lineup is MUCH improved from the 2022 season ending lineup that saw guys like Michael Hermosillo, PJ Higgins, Alfonso Rivas, and Rafael Ortega getting everyday ABs. This lineup is a major league lineup with real life major league ball players. The Cubs went out and added A TON of talent at the plate headlined by the massive signing of Dansby Swanson, former MVP Cody Bellinger, and power bat Trey Mancini. Add these 3 guys to a lineup that already included Ian Happ, Seiya Suzuki, and Nico Hoerner, and you really start to see how this team can string together 88+ wins.
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Opening Day Starting 9:
Hoerner - 2B
Happ - LF
Swanson - SS
Mancini - RF
Bellinger - CF
Wisdom - 3B
Rios - DH
Hosmer - 1B
Barnhart/Gomes - C
Injured: Seiya
Madrigal and Morel will work their way into this lineup as needed especially when Wisdom gets cold. Once Seiya is healthy he'll work into that RF spot pushing Mancini to the DH and moving Rios out of this lineup. I also hope/believe that Mervis will make his way into the 1B slot of this lineup when we realize Eric Hosmer has always just kind of sucked.
Bold Predictions
I purchased a Brennen Davis Obvious Shirts shirt on opening day last year (6th purchase in the stores history no big deal) excited to break it out in July of 2022 for the call up of one of the Cubs top prospects. Unfortunately, Brennen got hurt and had to have back surgery delaying his progress. I spoke with him as he crossed the street headed towards Big Star Taco last September and he assured me that he was feeling great. And while he won't be starting the year with the big league roster, I'm confident he'll be up by May ready to make a serious impact. Some additional predictions:
Matt Mervis will mash 20 bombs in his rookie season
Jordan Wicks will be cemented in the starting rotation by August
Seiya and Nico will be all-stars
Cody Bellinger will return to 2019 form
The Scott Effross for Hayden Wesneski trade is going to go down as one of the all time greats. Jake Arrieta level great
There will be a new Wrigley trend this year taking over the cup snake trend. Maybe something with those new beer bats.
Dates To Circle On The Calendar
3/30 - Thursday: Opening Day
4/22 - Saturday: Dodgers on a Saturday
4/27 - Thursday: Padres
5/8 - Monday: Willy's return to Wrigley
5/25 - Thursday: Mets
6/17 - Saturday: Only weekend series in June + possible Gunnar Henderson (Orioles) sighting; the top prospect in baseball.
6/29 - Thursday: A World Series favorite Phillies team
7/15 - Saturday: Boston on a weekend
7/22 - Saturday: Cards on a weekend
8/4 - Friday: Dansby faces his former team for the first time
Giveaways
A few giveaways that might actually be worth it this year...
New To Wrigley Field
A new season means changes to historic Wrigley Field. New food, new spaces, and so much more! Below is a small list of some things to get excited about.
New Food/Drink
Small Cheval - One of the best burgers in Chicago will be opening a new location at Wrigley AND will be offering burgers inside the ballpark too
26oz Beer Bat - The classic beer bat became popular with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and I can't wait to get my hands on one of these at Wrigley.
Coke products
Crispy Chicken Bao Bun
Greek Loaded Fries
Burger Brat
Crispy Chicken Torta
Quesabirria
New Spaces:
“NÜTRL Zone” - an outdoor terrace that will offer concessions created in partnership with NÜTRL vodka seltzers.
Trophy Room - A new trophy area showcasing...trophies. This will sure to be underwhelming.
DraftKings Sportsbook - Should be open by June/July. Many people think it's pretty ugly but I'll hold off until I experience it.
Vegas Odds
Win Total: 77.5
Odds to win the NL Central: +650
Odds to make playoffs: +360
Odds to win the World Series: +9000
Cody Bellinger MLB Homerun Leader: +10000
Dansby Swanson MLB RBI Leader: +9000
Nico Hoerner MLB Stolen Base Leader: +5000
Dansby Swanson NL MVP: +5000
Matt Mervis ROY: +1700
Brennen Davis ROY: +10000
This team is primed to win 85-88 games and push for a wildcard spot. But regardless of record, the on-field talent is far superior than last year. And let's not forget that Wrigley Field is the greatest place on earth in Summer. Hot weather, cold beer, great vibes...I CAN'T WAIT
Go Cubs Go.
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