At this point, the Cubs’ primary players should feel as familiar as co-workers. We see them everyday, hope their successes push the whole team forward, know what causes them to fly off track and regularly find ourselves complaining about their shortcomings to (half-listening) family members and (not at all listening) pets.
But as Friday’s 17-inning marathon and subsequent series split in Miami reminds, it takes more than stars to win. So let’s give a moment to the team’s less scrutinized supporting players. For each, I’ve included a key challenge or two to watch for this season. I also include a couple Triple-A arms certain to be frequent flyers on the Iowa Shuttle.