CHICAGO -- In one month, the Chicago Cubs will take the field as defending World Series champions for the first time since 1909. Sure, it will be only spring training, but the games will have plenty of meaning for a team trying to become the first to repeat since the 1998-2000 New York Yankees won it all three times in a row.
Let’s examine what will matter most when the Cactus League season begins.
Jason Heyward’s swing
What we’ll be watching: After video highlights of his workouts made the rounds on social media this winter and hitting coach John Mallee discussed a plan with reporters at the fan convention, all eyes will be on Jason Heyward's reworked swing this spring.