2014 NL Central Preview And Predictions

Feb 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher

(29) throws out of the bullpen during camp at Chicago Cubs training facility at Mesa . Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

5) Chicago Cubs: 70-92

1- Why will this team exceed expectations?

Jake Misener from Cubbies’ Crib: This club has a lot of young, unproven talent. Bounce back years from Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro, coupled with a surprising year from former Rangers’ prospect Mike Olt at third will be enough to lead the offense.

A revamped bullpen featuring the likes of southpaw Wesley Wright and closer Jose Veras will help the Cubs avoid one of its biggest pitfalls in 2013 – blowing late inning leads. Welington Castillo has emerged as a prime game-caller behind the plate and he will further his development this season, both at the dish and behind it.

2- Why will this team fall short of expectations?

The cure for this team is also its poison. Youth and several midseason trade pieces (Veras, Nate Shierholtz, Darwin Barney, Jeff Samardzija (above)) could spell doom for Chicago. In the past several seasons, the front office has traded anything not bolted to the clubhouse floor in exchange for minor league depth and odds are, 2014 won’t be any different. Simply put, this club is still several years away from being a legitimate contender in the National League Central.

3- Look for the team to make (this trade)

Near the midseason point, watch for Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer to be ready to pull the trigger to trade Jeff Samardzija, the Cubs’ current ace. While we could all talk all day about whether or not he’s a front-of-the-rotation arm, he has a great deal of upside and contenders needing an arm in July would be hard-pressed to find someone more suitable for that role than the Cubs’ right-hander.

4- Watch out for the emergence of (prospect) 
Most would say watch out for the emergence of Javier Baez, but that’s almost a given for anyone who follows this team. Instead, keep an eye on Mike Olt. If he can prove his vision issues are truly behind him and he becomes a power threat and RBI producer for Chicago at third base, the team will benefit immensely.

It not only fills a void on the club in the present sense, but also adds even more depth the left side of the infield in an organization where there’s already a great deal of talent. It will only further the Cubs’ chances of swapping position players for pitching talent in the next two years.