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As fans began to pour into the Sheraton Grand Chicago lobby Friday afternoon, for the first day of Cubs Convention, chairman Tom Ricketts didn’t have to think long about what he’d tell those wondering when their team’s next championship window would open.
“We feel like our team will compete for the division this year,” he told the Sun-Times, seated at a coffee table in a suite across the street.
Later that day, offseason additions including shortstop Dansby Swanson, right-handed pitcher Jameson Taillon and center fielder Cody Bellinger would take the stage during the convention’s opening ceremonies – greeted by a standing ovation, flashing lights and blaring music.