Chicago Cubs may not be contenders in 2015 even with Jon Lester

Aug 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of their MLB baseball game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of their MLB baseball game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Chicago Cubs are a talented team, the just haven’t unlocked that talent yet and it’s been that way for the last few seasons. But while the teams have been rather lackluster on the field, things seem like they might be turning around and that could start with starting pitching help.

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But the Cubs have more problems on their team still than can be solved by simply buying starting pitching in the offseason, as they won’t become instant contenders just because an ace was signed to the staff.

According to MLB scribe Steve Adams, the Cubs may have young talent and eyes for an ace pitcher, but simply combining those two things will not make them contenders, even if Jon Lester is acquired in the offseason.

"A guy like Lester to pair with Arrieta would be huge, but they still have question marks all over the outfield and at second/third base as well. Can’t just assume that Baez, Bryant, Soler, Alcantara etc. are all superstars right out of the gate (if they ever become stars)"

The Cubs will no doubt be a better tam if they can get their young talent going, but they’ve already had an ace pitcher in town before and failed to win, which puts an emphasis on getting those young players going and ready to be stars at the Major League level.

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