2018 MLB SHOWDOWN SET -- CHICAGO CUBS

The Cubs won 95 games in 2018, tied for the most in the National League after 162 games.  Unfortunately, they tied with their NL Central rivals to the North, and, after a disappointing game 163, ended up in the Wild Card game, where they lost in 2-1 in a crazy 13 inning game.  Despite only playing a single playoff game, the 2018 Cubs Showdown team is one of the NL's elite and have a salary of 5060 points.  They've got a stellar rotation, solid top end of the bullpen, and a very deep lineup that includes MVP runner-up Javy Baez.  Without further ado, the 2018 Chicago Cubs!

Here's the podcast about the squad:

LINEUP

The Cubs challenge the Dodgers for deepest lineup in the National League.  While they lack elite point totals from cards like Machado or Muncy, 75% of the lineup has an OB 8 or better -- and that doesn't include the amazing On-Base 7 Javy Baez! They've got three OB 10 hitters at the top of the order, including the first 1B+2 (assigned by Bob's fielding formulas) in Showdown!  But the guy everyone wants to see is Javy, and he's here in the cleanup spot.  Some may be surprised/frustrated that Baez is an OB 7, but he had a meager .326 OBP that is right in the sweet spot for earning an OB 7.  However, his lower on-base has made his incredible extra base numbers from 2018 eye-popping on his chart! 15-20 HR, triples at 12, and double at 8 to go with A(22) speed and incredible defensive versatility. Also, full transparency, I think Baez has the coolest looking card that this site has ever produced. I'm excited to see how early he gets drafted by folks, as his 410 price tag is going to scare a lot of people due to his OB 7.  Following Baez are three OB 8 hitters, including the powerful Schwarber and Happ.  Contreras had a down year in 2018, but still puts together a useful card with solid defense.  Having a guy like Murphy in the 8 hole is a huge demonstration of depth, although Murphy brings a -1 defense to 2B.

Now to the bench!

The Cubs bench is going to be incredibly helpful in the simulation my friends and I do.  With great defense from Heyward and Almora is play CF and the corner OF, and Addison Russell can slide into SS while Javy slides to 2B late in the game.  Overall, these defensive moves will give the Cubs +3 more in the OF and +7 to the infield! It's a classic Joe Maddon team - plenty of versatility and depth.  It also helps that their bench brings two OB 7 hitters to bear too.

ROTATION

Chicago brings a solid but unspectacular rotation to play.  Lester and Hendricks ended up with nearly identical cards, basically making their rotation's top 2 a pairing of 00 David Cone and Chuck Finley. Their tier 3 pairing is followed up by a pair of tier 4 guys. Quintana has been a massive disappointment in Chicago, especially with the incredible prospects they gave up for him. However, they had to be pleased with Cole Hamels -- he's got a solid card for a #4 starter, especially thanks to his no doubles chart. It'll be fun to see how this rotation performs in 2019, especially if Yu Darvish can come back strong and Hamels continues to pitch amazingly in the NL.

BULLPEN

The Cubs have a solid top three to their bullpen.  Strop is the best pitcher, and is super draft-able as a Control 6, tier 2 reliever. Morrow is an average closer, but good enough to get the job done. Cishek is also a great reliever thanks to his no-doubles chart. Sadly, the backend of the rotation becomes extremely questionable. Wilson has a Control 1, but could be decent against the bottom half of most batting orders. Kintzler is just not very good, but the Cubs are hoping he'll bounce back to form next year.

And there you have it -- the 2018 Cubs! Next up from the NL will be the surprise NL East champion Atlanta Braves, led by Bob's favorite card in the set - Ronald Acuna!