It’s almost here! Spring training is underway and America’s favorite pastime is nearing the 2016 season. I’m quite excited for this upcoming baseball season. With the Chicago Cubs having a real shot at what could be the World Series, the season is definitely going to be a lot more interesting than years past.

Although the Cubs just lucked out when it came down to the wire to advance to the World Series, the Mets destroyed the Cubs with a 4-0 sweep in the NLCS.

Everyone prays that the team can finally do something in the playoffs since the last World Series they won was in 1908. Manager Joe Maddon and the Cubs are working very hard to end the drought and bring home a title this season.

From a statistical standpoint, the Cubs should have a 100+ win season and do exceptionally well in the playoffs. I hope the team can do that. Especially with Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta and National League Rookie of the Year Kris Bryant. Statistically speaking from the team’s stats, the Cubs are stacked. They have an infield that is next to unstoppable, and a pitching staff that not many teams have had before.

Now the real question is, how will they do?

Well after seeing how the team competed last year, I can say the Cubbies will do exceptionally well this year. With a few more additions to the team that are huge game changers, the team can easily compete against top teams like the Mets and Royals. Personally I am a Chicago White Sox fan and always will be, but after last year, I can’t do anything but compliment the Cubs and how they performed.

Adding starting pitcher John Lackey to the rotation was an interesting signing, but he’s going to be working with Arrieta and Jon Lester who are amongst the best pitchers in the league. Lackey has done a great job in the past creating chemistry with his teammates, so I don’t think he’ll have a hard time at all with the Cubs. Lackey was and has been a dominant pitcher throughout his career, and winning two World Series rings during his tenure. Even though Lackey could be considered past his prime. Lackey went 13-10 last year with a 2.77 ERA (earned run average).

Now for other additions to the team like utility man Ben Zobrist. The infield will be dominant and the Cubs need that veteran element on the team to lead the infield and be competitive. Zobrist has played for the Rays, Oakland A’s, and the Royals and has played very well in the past. Last year Zobrist batted .283 with 59 games played due to injury.

Now enough about the positives about the Cubs. There are also downfalls to the team that may inhibit their chances in October.

Outfielder Jason Heyward was originally a right fielder for the Braves and the Cardinals. For the Cubs to move a career playing right fielder to center, it could be difficult for Heyward to cover the large amount of space that center fielders are required to cover. Especially with Jorge Soler in right field, it is probably going to make space coverage very difficult for Heyward.

The infield for the team should be great with Anthony Rizzo leading the charge at first base. Zobrist will be a solid second basemen and Russel and Baez should meet their expectations at shortstop. As for Bryant, the only concern I have is with his youth carrying a lot of potential. He might struggle a bit at third base but he should be able to pull it through. He was not a superstar at third in the minors but he got the job done, and he struggled a little defensively in 2016. Maybe Bryant will have a phenomenal season and be a stud all-around but he has to prove that he can be a superstar in the league.

Overall the team should have a winning season as long as the team stays healthy and is able to play together like last season. Although the team has some weaknesses, the Cubs are striving for their third World Series title, the team’s first this century.