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Why Cubs manager David Ross calls Ian Happ, Albert Almora Jr. 'X factors'

The starting rotation is in flux at best. The bullpen sets up as a crapshoot of intriguing arms.

And the season starts in less than a week.

So how about those Cubs’ bats, you say?

“I think our offense is going to be our strong suit,” Cubs manager David Ross said.

Assuming baseball can pull off a 60-game season during this pandemic, that still-young core of Cubs hitters might have to do its heaviest lifting yet to put this team into a playoff race, never mind to play much, if at all, in October.

And that means Kyle Schwarber, Ian Happ and maybe Albert Almora Jr.