MESA, Ariz. -- With a new leadoff man to get things going, a new closer to finish games and new rings on the way, the Chicago Cubs will begin their title defense every bit as confident as they were a year ago at this time. While many faces will be the same on Opening Day, the champs turned over 20 percent of their roster.
And they think they're better for it.
"All the additions are wonderful complements," Kyle Schwarber said. "Upgrades. It's going to be really cool to see how it all plays out this season."
Schwarber isn't new, but he hasn't played a full season in the big leagues -- and he has a reimagined job description. The 24-year-old must embrace his role of setting the table for the "big guys" behind him, now that he takes over as leadoff hitter. Before, Schwarber had always been one of those big guys, but the Cubs' depth allows them to try something many other teams could not.
"It's a cool spot," Schwarber said. "I get to lead off the game. Then you don't know what spot you're hitting in. ... I'll take a couple hits. I'll think hits, more than a homer. Or walks. Whatever it is. Just don't get out."
While the idea of Schwarber starting things off is intriguing, the player tasked with finishing games might get even more scrutiny. With Wade Davis producing a plus-16.00 ERA this spring, some might already be wondering what the Cubs got for Jorge Soler this past offseason. If the former Royals closer can't turn it around, Chicago has other options because the front office is convinced that it has six to eight arms capable of pitching with the game on the line.
"The nice thing is we have so many different guys to go to that are able to do that role at the end of games," Maddon said.
Among those potential late-game candidates is 41-year-old bullpen addition Koji Uehara, who has 93 career saves. Hector Rondon is still around to set up or close when needed, and Carl Edwards Jr. showed in the postseason that he is growing into a ninth-inning option. Is there a scenario in which Edwards is closing by the end of the season? It's possible, though Davis is absolutely the guy right now, with Maddon backing his new reliever despite a rough spring.
"If anything, it's a command issue," Maddon stated. "I'm seeing easy 94-95 mph ... I'm encouraged how he's throwing the ball."
The low-key Davis thinks the regular season will bring out the best in him.
"The mentality will get better," he said. "Go out there, and turn the switch on."
In the rotation, the Cubs are counting on another fresh face to be ready when the bright lights go on. Brett Anderson made only four starts with the Dodgers a season ago, but the ground ball machine could benefit from a historically good infield defense if he can stay healthy. You can bet Javier Baez will be starting as often as possible when Anderson pitches.
"I think as we get into more sea level conditions, where the grass is a little higher and the ground a little softer and the wind isn't blowing out, he's going to pitch even better," Maddon said during Anderson's Cactus League run with the Cubs.
Maddon added that Wrigley Field is the "perfect ballpark for him."
If Anderson can't perform, Mike Montgomery is waiting in the wings. He picked up where he left off last season, displaying a nasty curveball that works against righties or lefties.
The Cubs' ability to mix in newcomers while relying on familiar pieces is part of their recipe for success, and the amount of talent already on the roster isn't lost on the newest Cubs.
"There are 10-12 players on this team that are some of the best in baseball," Davis said. "That's something you don't see often."
The ever-popular Schwarber summed up the shared feeling among new and old players.
"If we play our game every day, good things will happen," he said.
Who could argue with him?