World Series
Cubs def. Indians in 7 games
Just the start?
Cubs learn a few things for 2017 during drive to crown
The experience of snapping two of the longest World Series droughts ever only heightened the hopes of Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer.
“There are two things I can't wait to experience,” said Hoyer, who will participate with the rest of the Cubs' organization in a victory parade Friday that will start at Wrigley Field and finish at Grant Park. “A lot of thank yous, and a lot of tears.
“All those memories from Boston I hope come back.”
As the hangover from the first World Series crown since 1908 wears off, the postseason provided plenty of encouraging signs for the Cubs' future as well as some caution flags.
The performances of Kris Bryant in the final three games of the Series and Kyle Schwarber's incredibly seamless return after missing nearly six months illustrate their mettle that will serve the franchise well as a veteran group of players retires or departs or experiences diminished skills.
One of the biggest plays in Game 7 occurred when 22-year-old rookie pinch-runner Albert Almora Jr. tagged up on a deep fly and advanced to second, from where he scored the go-ahead run in the 10th inning on Ben Zobrist's double.
“Unbelievable,” Almora said. “It's something I'm going to tell my grandkids and my kids. I'm just so happy we pulled this off. “
Shortstop Addison Russell rebounded from slow starts in the National League Championship Series and World Series to produce timely homers.
And the way relievers Mike Montgomery and Carl Edwards Jr. were used in the postseason could be a sampling of what to expect in 2017.
Montgomery will be more than an answer to the question of who recorded the save in the deciding game of the World Series. Montgomery pitched in five Series games, posting a 1.93 ERA. His big curve, respectable fastball and ability to start increase his value especially after starters Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks pitched in three playoff series.
Maddon's use of Edwards to start the 10th inning Wednesday night raises as many questions about the health of Hector Rondon with Edwards ascending quickly.
Rondon, 28, pitched in only 12 games in the final two months because of two bouts of a right triceps strain and allowed seven earned runs on nine hits in his final four regular-season appearances. He pitched in seven postseason games, two in the Series.
Edwards, 25, was unscored upon in his first five playoff appearances and was one out away from earning the save in Game 7 of the Series.
Manager Joe Maddon has projected Edwards as a future closer and that could happen soon if free agent Aroldis Chapman departs and Rondon doesn't re-establish his effectiveness quickly.
There also were some disappointing youthful moments for second baseman Javier Baez, whose postseason started so promisingly with a division series-winning hit on an 0-2 fastball from the Giants' Hunter Strickland.
After batting .342 through the first two rounds, Baez lost his plate discipline — especially on the outer half of the strike zone — and batted .167 with 13 strikeouts in the Series.
His Game 7 home run off Indians ace Corey Kluber showed his ability to adjust, but Maddon's “Embrace the Target” slogan will take on a greater meaning now that the Cubs are defending a Series title.
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