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Projection Picks Cubs, White Sox Atop Their Respective Leagues

(CBS) Finally, pitchers and catchers are set to report this week to spring training. The wait for baseball season is nearly over, and with that comes projections for the 2016 season.

Using a series of variables for its projections, USA Today is pegging the Cubs as baseball's best team, with 101 wins in 2016. Tied for the best record in the American League are the White Sox, posted to win 90 wins for the season.

The article believes that the Cubs are baseball's most complete team, following a run to 97 wins and the NLCS in 2015. The White Sox are coming off a disappointing 2015 season in which a roster built to win faltered. The one-two punch of pitchers Chris Sale and Jose Quintana can carry the White Sox and a revamped lineup with All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier, according to USA Today.

The Cardinals are projected to have the second-best record at 97 wins. The other division winners include the Red Sox, Astros, Nationals and Giants, with Houston and San Francisco tied with the White Sox for baseball's third-best record at 90-72.

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