Cubs looking to make run in 2015
The Chicago Cubs have been terrible for the better part of 100 years. When your known as the lovable losers, it really is a tough lot in life. Chicago has not played in a postseason game this decade, and has been without World Series participation since 1945. It has been a miserable experience for the North Side, but things appear to be turning around.
Behind general manager Theo Epstein, the Cubs have stockpiled a ton of young talent. Chicago is the envy of the league with green stars such as Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Jorge Soler. It’s a treasure trove of ability that could lead to a great time for Cubs fans. Without question, they have waited long enough.
Going into Monday, Chicago is giving reason for hope in 2015. The Cubs are sitting third in the National League Central at 37-30, only seven games behind the St. Louis Cardinals, the team with the best record in the majors. Chicago is also occupying the second Wild Card spot, two games off the pace of the Pittsburgh Pirates in that department.
The Cubs were very aggressive in the offseason, landing ace Jon Lester along with outfielder Dexter Fowler and starting pitcher Jason Hammel, who Epstein dealt as part of the package to acquire Russell from the Oakland Athletics. Thus far, Fowler has been mediocre with a .238 average and 22 RBI, but Hammel is dealing alongside Lester.
Hammel really came onto the national scene last year and has continued his run of success at Wrigley Field. The veteran is leading the rotation with a 2.89 ERA, posting a 5-2 record with eight quality starts in 13 chances. Hammel has also allowed just nine home runs and struck out 86 in 84 innings. Jake Arrieta has also been fantastic, sporting a team-high seven wins with a 3.07 ERA. Lester has been sub-par by his standards with a 3.80 ERA and 4-5 mark, but could turn around at any minute.
Offensively, Bryant is racking in his highly-touted rookie campaign with eight homers and 12 doubles to go with 39 RBI in 59 games. While Bryant has been mashing, the lead role has been played by first baseman Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo is having an All-Star season with a .309 clip, .420 on-base percentage, 15 homers and 43 RBI, leading the team in all categories. Catcher Miguel Montero is also producing, swatting nine bombs with a terrific .362 OBP.
If the Cubs can make the postseason this year, it would be a huge step for this young team trying to find its way. Chicago has been without a true contender since the days of Kerry Wood and Mark Prior in 2003, but could be soon with a roster that seems built for the present and future.
Good times are finally here for the Cubs. It’s a sports miracle.
