WASHINGTON, D.C. — After nine games and a 2-7 record to open the 2019 season, the Chicago Cubs were left for dead. Many pre-season fears about the bullpen and rotation were being ‘realized’; the media was pouncing and fans were panicking. At that point, the shocking PECOTA projection of 79 wins seemed almost generous.
Thirty-four games later, the Cubs are 27-17, in first place in the NL Central by 1.5 games after tonight’s victory in Washington over the Nationals, and in more control of their narrative.
I share my thoughts on the first quarter of the season (how are we here already?!) below.
Thoughts
1. The Cubs’ offense has been largely impressive overall without the benefit of a sustained leadoff hitter. Joe Maddon has experimented with Ben Zobrist, Kyle Schwarber, Daniel Descalso, and Jason Heyward at the top, and none of those moves have given the Cubs a consistent advantage. At this point, why not try moving Kris Bryant to the leadoff spot? He might be the best option the Cubs have. He can do everything they’re hoping Schwarber could do, and much better.
2. Speaking of Bryant, isn’t it great to see him back to his old self?! He’s been on an absolute tear in May and is remedying concerns over his 2018 shoulder injury. His power is back, his eye discipline remains strong, and his swing is as sweet as ever. Remember when fed-up Cubs’ fans wanted to see him gone?
3. I also remember when people said Javier Baez’s MVP Runner-Up campaign was a fluke. Guess what? It wasn’t.
Baez is hitting .324 (!) with a .364 OBP and .968 OPS. He’s hit 11 homers and has driven in 30 runs so far. He’s been clutch at the plate and as steady as ever in the field. Sign him to an extension, Theo. Now.
4. Another guy who deserves an extension? Willson Contreras. He’s a bona fide star and might be the most complete (read: best) catcher in baseball. The Cubs are lucky to have him. Watching him blossom has been a joy.
5. The rotation has largely impressed me. The starting pitching started slowly, and Yu Darvish continues to try to find his form, but for the most part, the rotation has carried its weight. Jon Lester is pitching to better peripherals and has a 2.09 ERA even after last night’s clunker. Kyle Hendricks has regained his command and has been lights out for a month, as has Jose Quintana. And Cole Hamels continues to be worth more than his price (trade and money-wise) since the Cubs acquired him last summer. The Cubs will go as far as their rotation takes them, but they have delivered quite well so far.
6. Speaking of the rotation, how about one of its former guys: Tyler Chatwood? Shifting to the bullpen has revitalized his Cubs’ career, and he was instrumental in stealing a game against Milwaukee at Wrigley Field last week when he was outstanding in extra innings relief. His command has been much better this year and he’s been pumping the strike zone with a 96-98 MPH fastball. Dare I say, he’s been fun to watch?
7. However, watching the rest of the bullpen remains an exercise in dealing with blood pressure and anxiety. Brandon Morrow’s injury, along with the Cubs’ reluctance to sign arguably a Top 10 closer of all time (Craig Kimbrel), have shifted closing responsibilities to a combination of Pedro Strop, Steve Cishek, and Other. But Strop’s injury has brought up even more question marks in the ‘pen. This group often forgets how to throw strikes and that has destroyed late leads on multiple occasions so far. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be much of a solution for this issue except for pushing forward.
On the bright side, Kyle Ryan has largely been a revelation, and Brandon Kintzler has actually been mostly reliable. Couple that with Brad Brach not being a complete disaster, and the ‘pen has some promise. They just need to be a lot more consistent.
Now, if only Dillon Maples could harness his stuff to consistently contribute at the Major League level. His slider is disgusting… But I digress.
8. I have to say this: The Cubs’ decision to bring back Addison Russell was incredibly disheartening, even if it was inevitable. He hasn’t shown any remorse for his despicable behavior in any of his press conferences and at one point had the gall to call booing Cubs’ fans out. The nerve…
Even if the Cubs are just trying to boost his trade value, it isn’t worth it. Just cut him and move on.
9. The report of Ben Zobrist’s impending divorce with his to-be-former wife, Julianna, was also saddening to see. Zobrist is on indefinite leave from the team and it’s clear the Cubs miss him. Best wishes to their young children as they move forward.
10. There is still a lot of baseball left this season and the NL Central is extremely competitive with three teams within four games of the Cubs. But I still think the Cubs are the favorite to win the division and are the best team in the National League when all is clicking. Let’s hope they can continue this momentum.
Follow the author on Twitter @DhruvKoul to continue the conversation.
