As the season winds down, 2015 will bring a new level of expectations on the Cubs.
First, the prospects that will earn an opening day roster spot, Baez, Hendricks, Alcantara, and Soler, must show the ability to adapt to the league (which now has major league books on them). There are such things such as sophomore slumps. The team can't afford to hype these young guns only to have them slide into Josh Vitters-Brett Jackson-Corey Patterson-Felix Pie territory.
Second, the pitching staff is a continuing work in progress. Most of the promoted arms have fallen to the bullpen. The ones being showcased as potential starters, Hendricks, Beeler, Turner and Jokisch have to solidify their role in spring training as well as Wada, Doubront and Straily. Yes, the Cubs have plenty of arms to evaluate, but none of them has the power or poise of a young star like Chris Sale.
Third, manager Rick Renteria will have his seat begin to warm toward hot. Will he be another caretaker like Mike Quade? No one can say that he has been an outstanding skipper because the team has not played above its low expectations. It is hard to tell whether his teaching and development skills (the main reason he was hired) are actually taking hold. The Cubs as a team have not shown a dramatic improvement in fundamentals or baseball IQ.
Fourth, the bounce back years of Castro and Rizzo may be tempered in 2015 because of the late season injuries. As anyone who has had a back problem, it never really goes away. Rizzo's health will be a major question in spring training. And considering the massive swing paths and body torque of Soler, Baez and now Castillo, back issues may be a depressing story line going forward.
Fifth, there is a growing concern about ownership. Can the Ricketts get their business act together with the Wrigley renovation and new revenue streams, or will the franchise falter into a real small market, penny pinching disaster?
