The Cubs haven’t made one major-league move since an 84-win season and their new manager David Ross believes they can win a World Series.
“There’s a lot of talent,” Ross said. “There’s no ceiling for this team. I really think this team can win the World Series.”
And first baseman Anthony Rizzo backed his manager’s statement.
“It’s not easy to win,” he said. “But we have the players to do it.”
At the moment, the Cubs roster is a downgraded version of last season’s. And pitching remains a major concern.
But Ross isn’t all that worried about his rotation.
“Yu Darvish will be a better version of himself throughout the season,” Ross said. “I think Jon Lester’s doing the work he needs to do this offseason to maintain success. Kyle Hendricks. I think Jose Quintana’s going to be a big piece. He’s working on some things that may improve his ability and maybe have a better year.”
And as for the bullpen?
“There’s a lot of turnover in a bullpen,” Ross said. “I don’t think we’re going to win or lose the division out of the bullpen, in my opinion. We’ve got Brandon Morrow coming back, which is super important. If he’s able to be an impactful guy like he’s been in the past, if he’s healthy.
“Tyler Chatwood, for me, had a great a season out of the ‘pen last year and really took a lot of strides, where there’s a lot of options for him in that fifth spot or in the bullpen. We’ve got a lot of options.”
