So Cubs Fans…Are You Excited???
I know for the past few weeks I have gushed about the Tigers and how well they have been doing. Rightfully so, but I understand there are other fan bases that enjoy reading my stuff too so let’s chat about the Cubs. They made huge headlines trading for Kyle Tucker from the Astros, but could he help push this team into the playoffs?
The easy answer to that is yes. He has made them a completely different offense. They are a very potent offense as well. But it goes deeper than that. They had a ton of dudes under perform last season leading to a very disappointing season for the North Siders.
The Tucker trade has been a huge success. Now I am talking about his performance this season. The fact that the Cubs traded such a huge prospect, that is starting for the Astros, and Tucker is a free agent after this season is a whole other topic so let’s just talk about this season. He leads the team in basically every hitting stat. Average, hits, RBI’s and homers. But the teams success goes deeper like I said. His teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong, PCA, has started the season on a complete tear. He is hitting for both power and average and is a menace on the base paths. He has also positioned himself as a good glove caliber outfielder. The Cubs lead the Central Division as I write this and they haven’t even sniffed hitting success from their big time short stop Dansby Swanson. Swanson had a down season at the plate last season so I am sure all Cubs fans are hoping he regains his form that he once had in Atlanta.
The pitching has been ok. Nothing spectacular but nothing to be mad at. Justin Steele is out for the season which is a huge blow to the rotation but I have a feeling this team can overcome his loss. Add to that this Cubs team does not have to face the Dodgers, Padres, or Giants again for the rest of the season. These are the only teams in the National League that have a better record than the Cubs. So the pitching staff has already faced their best competition this season which is weird to say considering it isn’t even May yet.
The biggest advantage the Cubs have is the division they play in. The Reds have been a very big surprise so far this season but all of the other teams have under performed. The Cubs will play these teams the most as the season continues so their hot start, in my opinion is not a fluke. This team hits, defends, and pitches very well. If you are a Cubs fan I suggest grabbing some tickets for the bleachers and have a cold one with the Bleacher Bums because this team is going to continue to be exciting and fun to watch. I do believe they will win the division and make some noise in the playoffs. The only thing keeping me from saying they are World Series bound is the fact that most of the dominate teams are in the National League so it will be a challenge to get there, but not impossible. Three words…Go Cubs Go!!!