Emma: 5 Key Storylines Awaiting Cubs In Spring Training
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) What took place in Wrigleyville during the 2015 season was a little bit of baseball magic.
No pitcher in baseball history has sumbitted the second-half stretch that Jake Arrieta put together to win the NL Cy Young Award. The emergences of rookies Kris Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Addison Russell also helped solidify a roster that won 97 games and advanced to the NLCS. It was a spectacular story.
After making high-profile acquisitions in Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist and John Lackey this winter, the Cubs' hope is to be celebrating a World Series in 2016.
Before we get that far, the Cubs will take the field in spring training and begin their new journey. Here are some key storylines that await in Arizona.
1.) Can Arrieta repeat in 2016?
From Aug. 4 through the end of the regular season in 2015, Arrieta posted an absurd 0.41 ERA, allowing just four earned runs in 88 1/3 innings across 12 starts. It was part of one of the most remarkable runs a pitcher has ever put together. That's the Cy Young standard Arrieta set in 2015 as he compiled a 1.77 ERA, one that will be nearly extremely difficult to match.
Fangraphs projects Arrieta to post a 2.93 ERA in 2016, though its projections -- like most others -- are extremely conservative. Arrieta's likely to still be one of baseball's best pitchers this season and more to come, and the Cubs will rely heavily on him again. What tone he sets and how well he throws on the big stage will be crucial.
2.) Where will Heyward play?
Speaking on 670 The Score last week, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer was asked about where Heyward, the team's prized free-agent pickup, will play.
"The way things are set up, Jason's going to play a lot of center field," Hoyer said. "We have no doubt that he'll be good out there."
In bringing in Heyward, the Cubs were fascinated by how he will fit playing center field. He's primarily played right field in a career that's seen him win three Gold Gloves. He should help solidify an outfield with a better defensive presence at an important position than what Dexter Fowler provided last season. It remains possible that the Cubs could play Heyward in right field often, depending on the growth of Javier Baez in center field and trajectory of Jorge Soler in right field. But as of now, Heyward's the man in the middle.
3.) Can Schwarber take that next step?
Second-year slugger Kyle Schwarber's 2015 season was highlighted by towering home runs and lowlighted by poor defensive play. He was rushed up to the big leagues because his bat couldn't be kept out of the lineup, but he was forced into the uncomfortable position of left field. During the NLCS, his defensive troubles were exposed.
Because of this, Schwarber went into the offseason with the goals of improving defensively. He worked on his flexibility and agility, with the hopes of becoming better at tracking fly balls. He wanted to become a more complete player. Schwarber's time in spring training will prove if it paid off.
"You can't really boast on your past," Schwarber said. "That's the way you get a big head, and that's not me. I'm this down-to-earth guy. I want to work hard, I want to bust my butt and I want to help this team win."
4.) How does the rotation round out?
Based on most metrics, the Cubs have one of baseball's best starting rotations. Arrieta is the front man as the defending NL Cy Young, while Jon Lester and Lackey complete a solid 1-2-3 punch. Behind them are some question marks in the Nos. 4 and 5 spots.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon was arguing for Jason Hammel to be on the NL All-Star team last season. He was snubbed, then got hurt in July and was never the same pitcher the rest of the season. Maddon lost some patience with Hammel, pulling him early out of many games in the playoffs push. Hammel and Kyle Hendricks were each inconsistent enough to create concern on the back end of the rotation.
Lackey comes to the Cubs as another important arm, and right-hander Adam Warren was brought in as another option in the deal that shipped infielder Starlin Castro to the Yankees. It's likely that the Cubs go with Hammel and Hendricks and hope for that early 2015 form. If not, there figures to be plenty of movement.
5.) What more do the Cubs need to win a World Series?
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein will spend a lot of time during spring training wondering whether his team is good enough to win a championship in 2016. They're the betting favorite to win it all, but that won't mean much to him. Often times, that answer doesn't come until the summer.
Epstein may be aggressive at the trade deadline if his Cubs need another piece or two, whether that's due to injuries or inconsistencies. This team is built to win a World Series in 2016 and in the years to come. Epstein's job is to ensure those pieces remain in place for the Cubs to reap those rewards.
Chris Emma covers the Chicago sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.
