The Chicago Cubs will face the New York Mets in the NLCS. What are 5 keys for the Cubs to advance to the 2015 World Series and have a shot to win a title.
1. The Starting Rotation Must Be Solid Every Game
Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Cubs is in the starting rotation and whether or not both Kyle Hendricks and Jason Hammel can come through with solid starts. New York has one of the most talented, young rotations in Major League Baseball and are a very scary opponent for that reason. Chicago has to come out solid each and every start to have a chance to eliminate the Mets.
2. Chicago's Young Bats Must Stay Hot
One of the biggest surprises from the Cubs' NLDS series against the St. Louis Cardinals was the play of their young bats and how much power they showed. During Game 3 of the series they knocked six home runs out of the park. New York has a much better rotation than the Mets did, but the Cubs have to keep their young bats hot and show the power throughout another series.
3. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant Must Get Going at the Plate
Both of the Cubs' top batters from the regular season were extremely disappointing in the NLDS. They were able to come through with some clutch hits throughout the series, but were ice cold for the majority of it. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant must get things going against the Mets for the Cubs to advance to the World Series and there is a good chance that they will be able to play much better than they did against St. Louis.
4. Joe Maddon Must Use the Right Combination in the Bullpen
Another major question mark that surrounded the Cubs coming into the 2015 MLB postseason is was whether or not their bullpen could withstand the Cardinals' offense. It played very well, although there are still some concerns about it. Joe Maddon will have to dial up the right combinations in the pen and if he is able to do so the Cubs have to like their chances.
5. Jake Arrieta Must Revert Back to His Cy Young Version
Jake Arrieta was one of the top pitchers in baseball during the regular season, but he had a rough outing against the Cardinals in Game 3. Chicago needs the Cy Young version of him to come back for their series against the Mets and they need him to dominate each time that he takes the mound. It looks like he will pitch Game 2, which would give him plenty of time to rest up and pitch either Game 6 or 7 if necessary as well.
All of that being said, the Cubs feel that they are in a good position to make a push into the World Series. They went 7-0 against the Mets in the regular season and outscored them 27-11. If their offense can stay hot and the pitching can stay consistent, there is a good chance that the Cubs will be on their way to the 2015 MLB World Series.
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