THE CRYSTAL BALL
A large chunk of what Chicago considers over the next seven weeks depends on everyone staying healthy.
Yes, another left-handed reliever would be nice. Heyward finding his stroke and Soler returning quickly from his injury would too. It would be an incredible feat if Chicago never needed to use more than five starters.
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The Cubs needs are luxuries. At 40-16 as of June 6, they are, if you can believe this, unlucky. Their Pythagorean record is 43-13. If anything, gulp, the Cubs are underperforming.
A good team never rests on its laurels. Finding someone to match with Wood as a lefty out of the pen would be a good idea. Ensuring the everyday players get rest once they clinch a playoff spot is essential. If, and this a big if, the Cubs continue on this pace, they will play nearly the last quarter of the season in meaningless, to them, games. The toughest job will be ensuring everyone gets playing time and healthy without taking the foot off the pedal.
Through waiver deals, calling kids up as needed from Triple-A Iowa and eating a bad contract, the Cubs can mix and match the rest of the way.
Health is the key. They have a winning poker hand right now. Outside of improving depth, they will not be buyers unless injuries mount.
Next: St. Louis Cardinals Trade Deadline Preview
As of now, the shopping list is light.