Feeling Like the Cubs Will Win the NL Central and Other Bullets

Jan 14, 2016

Didn’t win the Powerball, eh? That’s OK. There were three winners, and, after splitting the prize, taking the lump sum, and paying taxes, each won’t even get a measly $200 million. Barely worth even playing.

Besides – your odds are much better of getting the visual jackpot of a Bartolo Colon inside-the-park homer this year anyway.

Last year it was Anthony Rizzo, who predicted that the Cubs would win the NL Central in 2015, and this year it’s Kyle Schwarber, who tells the Tribune he “feels” like the Cubs will. There’s really nothing to be gained by a player making a prediction, but it was really nice to hear it last year from Rizzo, because, as you may remember, it really felt like the Cubs were turning a corner in August and September of 2014. Whether the Cubs would actually go on to win the division in 2015, that was the mindset you wanted the players to have. And, hey, winning 97 games is plenty good, wherever you might actually finish in what proved to be a historically good division. So, whatever Schwarber feels, it’s a good thing. As an outside observer, I feel it, too: the Cubs look to have the best chance of the five Central teams to win the division. Here’s hoping the Cubs play like it right out of the gate.

[adinserter block=”1″]

And, as Michael noted yesterday, the Cubs are already projected to be the best team in baseball. So the feeling, Kyle Schwarber, is justified. (That doesn’t mean the Cubs WILL win the Central, mind you – the games all have to be played, of course.)

Although he reiterated optimism about eventually getting a deal done, Cubs Chairman and Owner Tom Ricketts indicated that there won’t be an announcement on a Theo Epstein extension at the Convention, according to Jesse Rogers. Michael wondered about that fitting possibility earlier in the week in the latest extension update.

Eno Sarris doesn’t think the Cubs should trade Jorge Soler, because there are a number of statistical reasons to believe he’s got a very good shot at being a good big league hitter (i.e., even setting the scouting aside).

Big changes at ESPN’s banner Sunday Night Baseball: Jessica Mendoza, who was very good in the few shots she got last year, is now in permanently as part of a three-person booth with Aaron Boone and Dan Shulman. John Kruk will be doing in-studio stuff, and Curt Schilling has been moved to Monday Night games.

The Padres and Astros will play two Spring Training games, March 26 and 27, in Mexico City. It’s the first time MLB games have been played in Mexico since 2004.

[adinserter block=”2″]

Kyle Schwarber says that he’d definitely take the Schwarber Home Run ball if the Cubs don’t wind up doing anything with it (Tribune).

The Cubs’ youth movement over at CSN.

A Statcast look at spin rates and velocity – Jake Arrieta shows up a few times.

The Cubs have updated their Convention details page with the list of panel times and attendees (though we’d seen the latter before). Hopefully between me, Michael, and Luis, we’ll get you plenty of good stuff from all of the panels.

Cubs hat cake pan for the cake-makers among you.

The Cubs are doing some good:

We're off to a great start on our annual #Cubs Caravan. #Thanksmas #LetsGive https://t.co/0fKodLinHJ pic.twitter.com/W81ZvZc0gX

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 14, 2016

written by

Brett Taylor

Brett Taylor is the Lead Cubs Writer at Bleacher Nation, and you can find him on Twitter at @BleacherNation and on LinkedIn here. Brett is also the founder of Bleacher Nation, which opened up shop in 2008 as an independent blog about the Chicago Cubs. Later growing to incorporate coverage of other Chicago sports, Bleacher Nation is now one of the largest regional sports blogs on the web.

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Oh, Come On: Cody Bellinger Lifted Mid-Game with an Apparent Injury (UPDATE: X-Rays Negative)

The Cubs cannot catch a break this year, man. They've already dealt with injuries to Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Kyle Hendricks, Drew Smyly, Julian Merryweather, Seiya Suzuki, and Ian Happ (did I forget anyone?). And tonight, it seems maybe something...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 7, Astros 2 – April 23, 2024

Well there was one big thing not to like about tonight's game - Cody Bellinger was lifted with a right rib contusion after colliding with the outfield wall - and about a million things that were great. And since we...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Mike Tauchman Did it AGAIN – Second Oppo Homer of the Game!

Nothing like a little insurance late. Mike Tauchman, who already hit his first home run of the season earlier in this game, just hit his second home run in the 8th! Another opposite field blast for Tauchman, who's been hitting...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

James Triantos Homers TWICE for the Smokies

It really is a Cubs homer party up and down the system. In Chicago, Cody Bellinger and Mike Tauchman have gone deep. At Myrtle Beach, Christian Hernandez and Jefferson Encarnacion each homered. At South Bend, Yohendrick Pinango homered. And at...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Kevin Alcantara Led Off Tonight’s Game with a Bomb (UPDATE: And Then Did It Again!)

Kevin Alcantara wasted no time giving the Tennessee Smokies the lead on Tuesday night (or maybe he just wanted to be a spiritual part of the homer party going on at Wrigley Field). Facing off against the Rocket City Trash...

Elias Schuster

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Mike Tauchman’s First Homer of the Year Caps Off a 5-Run Cubs Ambush!

I don't like to use "ambush" lightly. But what would you call it when the Cubs put five balls in play over 100 MPH, including a single, a double, and two home runs en route to putting five runs on...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Ian Happ Hit Missed a Homer by a Foot, So Cody Bellinger Launched One into Space to Pick Him UP

Ian Happ was back in the Cubs lineup tonight after missing a few games with a sore hamstring. And in his first at-bat back, he sent one 412 feet to dead-center field for a VERY long double (Statcast says it...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Pre-Gamin’: Astros at Cubs (6:40 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, Game Thread

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs are back in action tonight for the first of three games against the Houston Astros at Wrigley Field. Here's a look at the Cubs lineup for Game 1. Chicago Cubs Lineup: Nico Hoerner, 2B...

Michael Cerami

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Jefferson Rojas Has the Longest Active Hitting Streak in High-A

I know what you're thinking – what the heck is this basketball junkie doing over here on our turf!? He normally only shows up when he accidentally puts his Bulls articles in the wrong category! I need a little palate cleanser...

Elias Schuster

Apr 23, 2024

Chicago Cubs

MLBits: Jared Jones Made Brice Turang Look Ridiculous, Dylan Cease Dazzles at Coors, More

If you're familiar with me/my writing, you know how much I love good pitching. To that end, Jared Jones has been one of my favorite stories of the young season. And on Monday, he gave us one of the best...

Patrick K. Flowers

Apr 23, 2024

How to Watch

Celtics vs. Heat: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Boston Celtics will play the Miami Heat in Game 2 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs.These two teams match up for the second straight game after the Celtics beat the Heat 114-94 on Sunday. Jayson Tatum paced...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. Angels Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The Baltimore Orioles (15-8) and the Los Angeles Angels (10-14) meet in the rubber match of a three-game series on Wednesday at 4:07 PM ET. The Orioles are -132 favorites on the moneyline to win the series over the Angels...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Giants vs. Mets Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The New York Mets (12-11) will try to end their three-game losing streak when they visit the San Francisco Giants (12-13) on Wednesday at 3:45 PM ET on NBCS-BA. Bookmakers consider the Giants to be -133 favorites for the contest,...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Giants vs. Mets Probable Starting Pitchers – April 24

The New York Mets (12-11) square off against the San Francisco Giants (12-13) on Wednesday at Oracle Park after a three-game losing streak. The game begins at 3:45 PM ET.The probable pitchers are Blake Snell (0-3) for the Giants and...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Orioles vs. Angels Probable Starting Pitchers – April 24

The Baltimore Orioles (15-8) visit the Los Angeles Angels (10-14) for an away game at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on Wednesday. First pitch is at 4:07 PM ET.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Orioles will send Dean Kremer...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Best MLB Prop Bets Today, April 24, 2024

Today's MLB slate has lots in store. Among those 15 contests is the Boston Red Sox taking on the Cleveland Guardians.One of the most fun ways to wager on baseball is via MLB player prop bets. There are props for...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats & Best Bets – Wednesday, April 24, 2024

The Arizona Diamondbacks (12-13) and the St. Louis Cardinals (10-14) meet in the rubber match of a three-game series on Wednesday at 1:15 PM ET. The Diamondbacks are -122 favorites on the moneyline to win the series over the Cardinals...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Diamondbacks vs. Cardinals Probable Starting Pitchers – April 24

The Arizona Diamondbacks (12-13) visit the St. Louis Cardinals (10-14). The game at Busch Stadium starts at 1:15 PM ET on Wednesday.This contest's pitching matchup is set, as the Diamondbacks will send Jordan Montgomery (1-0) to the mound, while Kyle...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Pacers vs. Bucks Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 3 – Friday, April 26, 2024

The Indiana Pacers are 4-point favorites in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday, beginning at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN. The series is tied 1-1. The over/under...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Picks

Suns vs. Timberwolves Prediction: Expert Picks, Odds, Stats and Best Bets for NBA Playoffs Game 3 – Friday, April 26, 2024

The Minnesota Timberwolves are slight 3.5-point underdogs for Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA Playoffs against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on Friday, starting at 10:30 PM ET on ESPN. The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 lead...

Data Skrive

Apr 24, 2024

Feeling Like the Cubs Will Win the NL Central and Other Bullets

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular