03-16-2023, 02:44 AM
Yeah, I feel pretty optimistic actually. I don't think a playoff spot is going to happen this season (unless Bellinger and Mancini somehow replicate their best seasons), but if the Cubs aren't hit by injuries or other bad luck scenarios, I think they play .500-ish ball, which I'll happily take. Get one young position player to breakout next season in the outfield, add a serious bat next off season in free agency while replacing who likely leaves (I assume Happ) with a near-equivalent via free agency or call up, and they'll be primed to make the playoffs in 2024.
The 2016 team was so good defensively. I think we (or at least I) tend to forget that. I like that the team is focusing on that again, and I feel like our pitching, at least in terms of depth, is better than it was then. Obviously we don't have the elite guys we had then at the top of the rotation, which may mean more than depth in the playoffs, but the Cubs seem to be better at developing pitching then they ever have been, which also makes me optimistic.
The 2016 team was so good defensively. I think we (or at least I) tend to forget that. I like that the team is focusing on that again, and I feel like our pitching, at least in terms of depth, is better than it was then. Obviously we don't have the elite guys we had then at the top of the rotation, which may mean more than depth in the playoffs, but the Cubs seem to be better at developing pitching then they ever have been, which also makes me optimistic.