One reason each MLB team can win the World Series in 2017

Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; (from left to right) Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and center fielder Dexter Fowler and third baseman Kris Bryant and right fielder Jason Heyward celebrate during their World Series parade outside of Wrigley Field on Addison Street. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) during the World Series victory rally in Grant Park. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Cubs: Try not to get hurt

Cubs manager Joe Maddon has made it a habit throughout his career to come up with a fun motto or catch phrase to define his team’s season. Last year, it was “try not to suck,” and the Cubbies certainly did not suck as they won their first World Series since 1908. “Try not to get injured” should be the rallying cry for the 2017 season.

The Cubs are good enough to sleep walk through the regular season and still comfortably win the NL Central by a handful of games. They have the best lineup and rotation in the National League. The rest of their division rivals are just a few steps behind. It will be up to Maddon to find a way to keep his club motivated for most of the 162-game slate.

Nothing is guaranteed in baseball, but if the Cubs get to October with an entirely healthy lineup and rotation, they will have to be viewed as the favorite to come away with another title. A healthy Kyle Schwarber for an entire season will only make the potent offense that much stronger. Keep an eye on the health of closer Wade Davis. It may be in Maddon’s best interest to use his new reliever sparingly during the regular season, allowing Hector Rondon to close at times.