Chicago Cubs: Is this the 2018 Cubs team we’ve been waiting for?
The Chicago Cubs first third of the season came up short of expectations. But after winning 10 of their last 12 and enjoying a brief taste of first place Friday afternoon, is this what fans should expect going forward?
The Chicago Cubs are hot. Red hot. Perhaps the hottest team in MLB hot. Jason Heyward is finally hitting; since his return from the concussion DL he’s hitting .321 worth a wRC+ of 123. Anthony Rizzo has put his slow start in the rearview mirror. His wRC+ over the last two weeks is 221—a streak in which he’s averaging .386.
And the rotation finally looks good. Sure, Chatwood is still walking way too many guys, but the Cubs are still winning his starts.
Is this a decent team playing out of their minds, or is this the 2018 Cubs?
Rotation is key to Cubs’ success
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The Chicago Cubs spent big bucks to round out their rotation in the offseason; guaranteeing Yu Darvish $126 million over six years and Tyler Chatwood $38 million over three. So far their new starters have been…whelming.
But all of a sudden, the rotation that once was a major concern looks more like the rotation marketed to fans. Mike Montgomery has slipped comfortably into Yu Darvish’s shoes, going 2-0 with a 1.02 ERA in his three starts.
Jon Lester is pitching as he did in his prime years after a disappointing 2017 campaign. His ERA is down to 2.44. Quintana is getting better with each start as well.
Darvish’s return should have an interesting impact on the rotation. Either someone is going to the bullpen, or the Cubs are going to a six-man rotation. Whatever is done, it’ll be a tough decision.
Streaky offense finding consistency
It’s probably surprising to about zero people that the Cubs’ offense got significantly better when Anthony Rizzo started swinging the bat like he normally does. He’s the de facto captain of the Cubs on and off the field.
But the rest of the offense is doing their part too; they had a team OPS+ of 123 in May. They have the best team OPS in baseball at .775.
Next: Angels: Shohei Ohtani heading to DL with UCL sprain
With two crucial series against the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers right around the corner, the Chicago Cubs should feel confident in continuing their hot streak.