Sure the Cubs are loaded. They have guys like Bryant, Rizzo and Schwarber who could have monster seasons with perhaps 40 HR's. But whom amongst the team will have the biggest improvement? Who will perhaps surprisingly, take the biggest step up in 2016. Kyle Hendricks is my pick. I think he will win 15 games and have an ERA under 3.50

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Go Cubs!!!!

for half a season

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

I wasn't talking about Hammel, I was talking about Hendricks. But as much as Hammel regressed in the 2nd half last season, I guess Hendricks was substantially better in the 2nd half. Maybe a Hamricks hybrid is the answer.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Probably Maddon since he has to step up for every pitching change.

That is funny. I have never heard of anyone even suggesting that Maddon cannot keep the magic he had last season going as a reason to fall back. Isn't it odd to anyone that not one person thinks that?

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Elections have consequences.

I think RPB was jokingly referring to Maddon having to literally walk up the steps to make the pitching changes.

But as for the managerial moves, I think most people are confident Maddon can keep the magic going. I do wonder if he may run into some arguments over playing time (Fowler could get pissed if he's platooned often, which would hurt his market value, etc.)

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I know what Bryan said. I was trying outing it out there as it just occurred to me. I agree with you as the paying time, costumes or the magicians stuff would be where the failure would come from.

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Elections have consequences.

Biggest step forward - Addison Russell

Biggest step back - Trevor Cahill

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Baseball managers, and to an even larger extent pitching coaches, only need one or maybe two seasons to be seen as "good"

Then they are good forever. If after that they fail, its the players fault.

You take that back. Trevor Cahill is a treasure with a wicked breaking ball.

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Prior to the reacquisition of Dexter Fowler, I would have said Russell and Soler were the 2 position players most likely to take a big step forward. With Soler not playing every day, it would seem Russell will have the better opportunity now. Though expectations for Bryant will be high, I think amongst position players, he will have the biggest increase in production. His knowledge of the pitchers is greater and if you look at how he raised his batting average and OBP over the last 2 months of the season, it was a sign of things to come in 2016. Tip of the iceberg in 2015.

No need to list a candidate for a step back. Lets stay positive and leave the negative for Sox fans to attend to.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Sox fans negative?

No...

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I'm actually going to go with Dexter Fowler. He had a good second half and decent playoffs. While I doubt he is only driven by money considering what he did in the offseason, there is still a chance for a big contract after this year, so I think that will drive him.

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Sandberg said Russell reminds him of a young Barry Larkin...Maddon is reminded of a young Jeter...

That's some high praise.

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I kinda forgot about Cahill. He could end up being HUGE

I'll go with Hot Carl Edwards.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

A couple years ago, I thought he might have a significant role with the team. But he didn't impress me much last season after being called up. I really doubt he makes the trip North, but we shall see.

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Go Cubs!!!!

So are you, and its 9:51 AM in Elmhurst.

But this thread has been yet another goldmine. Was it leash who had the courage to say any Cub (wound up being Trevor Cahill womp womp) would regress in 2016? I bet he thinks they're gonna lose a game too! Burn the witch!

Id say the majority of people think Arietta and Schwarber will regress.

Arrieta had a historic season. To repeat it would be almost impossible. So yes, I think just 18-20 wins and an ERA of around 2.50, up from 1.71.
Schwarber may well be better. His HR/ AB's percentage might decrease a bit, but I think his strikeout rate decreases and his BA increases. Plus, I think he will improve in the outfield. Thus, his overall value will be even higher.

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Go Cubs!!!!

zero self awareness at all whatsoever.

Predicting 18-20 Wins for any pitcher in this era is misguided.


And they dont have to even regress. Its not like Schwarber and Soler lit it up all year. Both had pretty significant slumps

Arrieta isn't any pitcher.

One great thing about having such a stacked lineup, is a slumping player or 2 can be carried until they break out of their slump. Plus, they have less pressure on them, so for that reason, the slump may be easier to get past. Hitting is contagious, when guys all over the lineup are hitting, it's easier to be loose and hit yourself.

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Go Cubs!!!!

I think Elmhurst Steve has already stepped up the hyperbole re: the 2016 Cubs and, thus, is the answer to his own question.

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

Ok, well maybe Arietta is the rare guy who has a career year with a career high in innings that repeats it the next year.

Im telling you right now, he does not count. Dont be coming to me with Cub fans think.... with this stuff. I wont accept it.

I don't think you have the power to kick a fellow Cub fan out of the tribe. We've got the Ligues. You have Elmhurst Steve. Wear it!

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

Fine. Then Im going to base "What Sox fans think" off of Richard Roeper and Bernstein's thoughts since they are both well known Sox fans.

I can't do anything about Roeper. He's one of ours. bernstein is with you.

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Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up to The Hill
With Matthew, Tulsi, and Don

Exactly.

He is like America for the Sox. Neither should be taken seriously and neither should be responded to.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."