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5 Biggest Questions Facing Chicago Cubs Going Into Opening Day 2016

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The Chicago Cubs have the weight of the world on their shoulders as many expect them to finally break the Curse of the Billy Goat. While many believe they’re the favorites, they’re going to face hardships like any other team. These are the five biggest questions facing them entering the much-anticipated 2016 season.

5. Will All The Hype Get To Them?

Will All The Hype Get To Them? Getty Images
These Cubs certainly appear to have the right mindset going into the season, but they're human in the end. When everyone is saying how good they are, it's going to affect them in some way. If they can channel it, they could be a truly great team. If they crumble under the pressure, though, they could be a huge disappointment.

These Cubs certainly appear to have the right mindset going into the season, but they're human in the end. When everyone is saying how good they are, it's going to affect them in some way. If they can channel it, they could be a truly great team. If they crumble under the pressure, though, they could be a huge disappointment.

4. Will Bullpen Stay As Consistent As Late 2015?

Will Bullpen Stay As Consistent As Late 2015? Getty Images
Late last year, the Cubs' bullpen became an extremely strong unit as everyone found a role. However, that wasn't the case all season long. Which unit will show up this year? They have less power arms than a year ago, but their current bullpen is constructed with different players' roles in mind. With Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon in the back end, they seem to be in good hands.

Late last year, the Cubs' bullpen became an extremely strong unit as everyone found a role. However, that wasn't the case all season long. Which unit will show up this year? They have less power arms than a year ago, but their current bullpen is constructed with different players' roles in mind. With Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon in the back end, they seem to be in good hands.

3. Can The Team Survive Injuries To The Rotation?

Can The Team Survive Injuries To The Rotation? Brad Penner-USA Today Sports
Inevitably, the team is going to go through some injuries during the season. If Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester or John Lackey miss time with injuries, can other starters pick up the slack? Guys like Adam Warren and Travis Wood will have elevated roles if a top starter misses a lot of time. The team has far more depth this season after adding Lackey to the fold, but it remains to be seen if they can weather the storm without one of those three.

Inevitably, the team is going to go through some injuries during the season. If Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester or John Lackey miss time with injuries, can other starters pick up the slack? Guys like Adam Warren and Travis Wood will have elevated roles if a top starter misses a lot of time. The team has far more depth this season after adding Lackey to the fold, but it remains to be seen if they can weather the storm without one of those three.

2. How Will 2015 Rookies Fare In Year Two?

How Will 2015 Rookies Fare In Year Two? Getty Images
Despite all the hype, most of the Cubs rookies actually lived up to expectations in 2015. Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler will all be looking to do big things in 2016, but it remains to be seen how the rest of the league adjusts to them. This year will truly test how good of professional hitters these guys are at this stage of their careers.

Despite all the hype, most of the Cubs rookies actually lived up to expectations in 2015. Kris Bryant, Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Jorge Soler will all be looking to do big things in 2016, but it remains to be seen how the rest of the league adjusts to them. This year will truly test how good of professional hitters these guys are at this stage of their careers.

1. Do They Have What It Takes To Win It All?

Do They Have What It Takes To Win It All? Jerry Lai-USA Today Sports
This is the only question that matters. Does this team have the talent and desire to win the World Series for the first time in 108 years? On paper, they absolutely do. But when games start getting played, the best team on paper doesn't always win it all. It's up to this pretty special group to make sure the league's best team ends the season on top.

This is the only question that matters. Does this team have the talent and desire to win the World Series for the first time in 108 years? On paper, they absolutely do. But when games start getting played, the best team on paper doesn't always win it all. It's up to this pretty special group to make sure the league's best team ends the season on top.

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