Chicago Cubs
Established: 1876
Other Names:
Chicago White Stockings (1876-1889)
Chicago Colts (1890-1897)
Chicago Orphans (1898-1902)
2016 results: 103-58,
1st NL Central
Won World Series
2017 Prediction: 1st
World Series Titles: 3
Most Recent: 2016
Last World Series
Appearance: 2016
Last Division Title: 2016
Ballpark: Wrigley
Field
Est: 1916
Best Season: 2016
Having spent a considerable
amount of money on free agents prior to the 2015 season, the Cubs finished with
the third-best record in all of baseball, yet also finished third in the NL
Central. The lost the NLCS to the Mets but that was just setting the table for
what was about to come in 2016. The Cubs cruised through the regular season
with 103 wins, finishing 17 ½ games ahead of the Cardinals for the division
crown. They easily took care of the Giants, three games to one, in the NLDS,
and disposed of the Dodgers in six games to capture their first NL Pennant
since 1945. But they saved their best for the World Series. Down three games to
one to the Indians, the Cubbies rallied for three straight wins (the last two
in Cleveland) to capture their first World title in 108 years. The Cubs were
led offensively by Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Dexter Fowler, while the
pitching staff was anchored by Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks.
Best All-time Player:
Ernie Banks
With a nickname like “Mr. Cub”
could there be any doubt that Ernie Banks is the best player in the franchise’s
history? He played 2528 games over 19 years with the Cubs, the only team he
played with in his Big League career. He accumulated 2583 hits (for a .274
batting average), 512 home runs, 1636 RBIs and 1305 runs scored. An 11-time
All-Star, Banks won back-to-back NL MVP Awards in 1958 and 1959. After playing
the first nine years of his career as a shortstop, he made the smooth
transition to first base, where he finished his career. Unfortunately, Banks
holds the dubious MLB record of having played the most games without ever
appearing in a World Series.
Best Players on the
Current Roster: Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo
It’s hard to determine who is
the best current Cubs’ player because Bryant and Rizzo have such similar
numbers. Last year, Rizzo batted .292 with 32 homers and 109 RBIs, while Bryant
hit .292, 37 home runs and 102 RBIs. Bryant is the reigning NL MVP while he
captured the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 2015. Rizzo is a three-time
All-Star and won a Gold Glove in 2016.
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