Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Cubs fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Earlier this week in the SB Nation Reacts survey, I asked you to grade Cubs President of Baseball Operations Jed Hoyer’s offseason.
Hoyer made two significant acquisitions, signing free-agent third baseman Alex Bregman and trading for starting pitcher Edward Cabrera. He also added some
veteran relievers and upgraded the bench.
The overwhelming majority of voters gave Hoyer at least a “B” grade:
A slight majority, 51 percent, graded Hoyer “B” — but a full 38 percent (myself included) gave him an “A” grade. The rest were split between “C,” “D,” and “F.” Honestly, I don’t understand the failing grade, even if it’s only one percent of all respondents. I’ve never been a big fan of Hoyer but this offseason he clearly upgraded the team.
Yes, we did not see the results too well in Thursday’s opener. Of course, that’s just one of 162 games and every team’s going to have a few clunkers in a long season. The Cubs still can take two of three from the Nationals, and that’s what I called for in the series preview. Do that and they’ll be off to a good start. For one thing, the weather Saturday and Sunday is supposed to be better than Thursday’s windy, cold opener.
Here are the results of the two national survey questions asked this week.
The Dodgers certainly got off to a good start Thursday evening, thrashing the Diamondbacks 8-2. Former Cub Kyle Tucker had his first Dodgers hit and RBI.
The Blue Jays, of course, came within inches of unseating the Dodgers last fall. Toronto has returned a powerful team with strong pitching and they could easily make the World Series again. It’s good to see that at least some fans think the Cubs have a chance to win the World Series this year. That’s what I called for in my season predictions. I’ll stand by that call.
This edition of SB Nation Reacts is sponsored by FanDuel.
