A celebration for the ages
Jake Arrieta and the Cubs reveled in their World Series title parade Nov. 4 that drew an estimated 5 million to Chicago. Series recap,
Well, after watching this year’s epic World Series, with Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross calling it a Hollywood movie, we might not have to wait long for the sequel.
How about next year? Same place, same time and, yes, same teams.
The historic championshipdrought World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians was hardly a one-hit wonder.
The champion Cubs, with their entire infield filled with All-Stars, are built to win for at least the next five years.
The runner-up Indians have their vaunted starting pitching staff locked up through 2020 and will return prized relievers Andrew Miller and Cody Allen.
They each will be heavily favored next year to win the National League Central and American League Central divisions, respectively.
So as much as we loved Rocky, come on, Rocky II was just as sensational.
We could have these teams playing toward November every year until the next presidential election.
“I keep trying to make the point that these guys getting this experience right now absolutely bodes well for the future, too,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon says. “I think when you demonstrate the confidence in these kids, and they succeed, obviously they come back the next year and they’re a little bit better just for the experience itself.”
It’s a terrifying thought to the rest of the National League that the Cubs are just getting started.
The Cubs started six players under 25 in Game 2, the youngest starting lineup in World Series history, and had five players under 25 in Game 7.
“It is the most complete group and the youngest group I’ve had,” Maddon says. “That’s the part that really blows me away. If you take a moment to look out there, there’s a lot of young, inexperienced players.
“Check these guys out in a couple years. The defense will stay the same. Their running speed will stay the same. Their arms, as long as they have good health, will stay the same.
“The biggest difference, I think, is that they’re going to become better hitters, better offensive players.”
The Indians, meanwhile, will have their starting rotation back and their nucleus. They’re bringing back sensational 22-year-old shortstop Francisco Lindor, 24year-old third baseman Jose Ramirez, 29-year-old All-Star second baseman Jason Kipnis, 30-year-old catcher Carlos Santana and 28-year-old right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall. Outfielder Michael Brantley should return from shoulder woes.
But while the Indians don’t have the bank account to even guarantee the return of pending