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5 days in 2016 that set Cubs on their path
- Updated: September 22, 2016
CHICAGO — How did the Cubs win the National League Central? Good pitching, defense, having two NL Most Valuable Player Award candidates in Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant and some wizardry by manager Joe Maddon certainly helped. Here are five moments during the season that contributed to the Cubs’ first division title since 2008.
1. Dexter Fowler’s return: Feb. 25 in Mesa, Ariz.
On Feb. 25, Maddon gathered the players on one of the practice fields at the Cubs’ spring complex, saying he had a special announcement. Fowler, who had rejected a qualifying offer from the team in November and was rumored to be headed to the Orioles, suddenly appeared. Said Fowler: “My heart’s here.” His return meant the Cubs had their leadoff man back, and free-agent acquisition Jason Heyward could return to right field, where he was more comfortable.
2. Willson Contreras’ debut: June 19 at Wrigley Field
Contreras was batting .350 at Triple-A Iowa when the top prospect was promoted to the big leagues, and he made quite a first impression. In his first plate appearance on June 19, the young catcher belted a …
