Are the Chicago Cubs finally evolving into the team many anticipated at the start of the season? Did they just require some stability in the bullpen and an enhancement at third base? While it may be premature to get overly enthusiastic about their current streak, they are still not at the .500 mark—standing at 59-60, which is the closest they’ve been in two months—and they remain three games shy of a playoff position with three other teams in front of them. Hence, it might be a bit early to catch playoff fever.
That said, the team is certainly displaying improved baseball skills. Here are three key observations regarding the reasons for this turnaround and the details that have recently caught attention.
Offensive enhancement exceeds Isaac Paredes
Manager Craig Counsell has emphasized that the presence of Paredes alone is not the sole reason for the Cubs’ newfound offensive consistency.
“One of the reasons for our consistency is that we have nine players contributing offensively at the moment,” Counsell remarked. “We don’t need to pinpoint which day it occurs, but that’s what brings stability. There was a stretch where Ian (Happ) was delivering a lot of crucial hits. For a week, our offense was largely dependent on Ian’s significant hits. When Ian did not perform well during a recent home stand, our ability to score runs remained steady. This consistency arises from the contributions of various players stepping up daily.”
Up until July 26, the Cubs’ 7-8-9 hitters had a combined wRC+ of 71, ranking 25th in the league. Since then, this group has excelled, leading the league with a wRC+ of 150. Key contributors during this timeframe have included Dansby Swanson (152 wRC+ in 46 plate appearances) and Pete Crow-Armstrong (139 wRC+ in 50 plate appearances). However, they are not alone; Christian Bethancourt, Patrick Wisdom, and David Bote have all made noteworthy contributions during their limited playing time in the recent two weeks, as the offense has started to consistently score runs.
This type of performance was nearly nonexistent during the first four months of the season. If the team can maintain these elevated levels of performance, the Cubs might continue to make an impact in the standings.
Michael Busch shines defensively at first base
At the beginning of the season, Busch’s defensive skills, particularly his ability to catch balls thrown in the dirt, were lacking. That has changed significantly. He has not only become adept at scooping up balls in the dirt, but he is also exhibiting impressive range and accuracy when needed. This improvement is likely not surprising for someone who predominantly played second base in the minors.
“When you transition a middle infielder to first base, you’re bound to gain range,” Counsell noted. “The challenge at first base lies in playing balls within the hitting zone while managing to get to first base. Becoming comfortable in that zone, utilizing your range, and being able to move slightly away from the base while still being able to return to receive throws—it requires time. However, as he has grown more at ease, we’ve observed a marked improvement in his range.”
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Michael Busch is worth four outs above average at first base this season. (Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images)
When making decisions to range to his right, Busch takes into account both the runner’s speed and the velocity of the ball in play. As the season has progressed, he appears to have improved his decision-making in this regard.
One advanced defensive statistic, defensive runs saved, has recognized Busch’s efforts. He ranks 12th overall and first among first basemen with a total of nine DRS, notably matching Crow-Armstrong, who has played nearly 250 fewer innings.
“It’s pretty cool,” Busch remarked. “How else should one be evaluated? While many people have opinions on talent, having numbers to support that is pretty awesome. Nonetheless, I aim to improve by learning from my mistakes, focusing on growth each day.”
Crow-Armstrong is developing as a base runner
Pete Crow-Armstrong, often referred to as PCA, is not only honing his skills at the plate but also discovering how to effectively utilize his speed on the bases. According to sprint speed metrics, he is tied for third in Major League Baseball at 30.1 ft/sec, close behind Bobby Witt Jr. and Victor Scott II, sharing this ranking with Elly De La Cruz. However, base stealing requires more than just fast legs.
“He has excelled in the preparation aspect,” Counsell noted. “He and Mike Napoli have built a strong partnership in this area. Throughout the year, Pete’s routines—particularly in base stealing—have improved significantly to become very reliable. This has been one of his objectives this year. When you combine effective study habits with his athleticism, it makes him a formidable base stealer.”
Pete Crow-Armstrong is 23-for
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This was not typical behavior for Crow-Armstrong during his time in the minors. For starters, pitchers there dedicate less time to holding runners on base. They focus less on time to the plate and pitching from the stretch compared to the majors. The game operates differently at the upper levels.
“I never analyzed video or anything like that,” Crow-Armstrong explained. “Every steal I made in the minor leagues came from pure athleticism and instinct. You can manage that down there. But here, it’s tougher when you’re facing pitchers like Korey Lee, who has a strong arm. Preparing in advance just helps me feel more at ease on the field.”
Last year, Crow-Armstrong was 2-for-4 in stolen base attempts in his short stint in the majors. This season, he’s succeeded in all 23 of his attempts. Did that short experience at the highest level provide any important lessons?
“Absolutely,” he replied. “You can’t always rely on just being athletic. I can sometimes get away with it thanks to my speed, similar to how Elly (De La Cruz) can run. However, I feel quicker now that I have the right information because I know what I’m reacting to.”
(Top photo of Cody Bellinger: Griffin Quinn / Getty Images)
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Is This the Year for the Chicago Cubs? Analyzing Their Recent Turnaround and Key Performances
Understanding the Cubs’ Recent Turnaround
The Chicago Cubs have long been a beloved team in Major League Baseball (MLB), but their recent performances have sparked renewed interest and enthusiasm among fans. After a period of rebuilding and roster changes, the question on the minds of many is: Is this the year for the Chicago Cubs? In this article, we delve into their recent turnaround, highlighting key performances, strategic adjustments, and what lies ahead in the 2023 season.
Key Factors Behind the Cubs’ Revival
Several factors contribute to the Cubs’ impressive resurgence this season:
- Strong Leadership: The impact of management and coaching strategies cannot be overstated. Under the leadership of manager David Ross, the players have shown remarkable growth and resilience.
- Player Development: The Cubs have invested heavily in their farm system, leading to a number of promising young talents making their mark in the MLB.
- Pitching Depth: A robust pitching rotation, featuring both established stars and emerging talents, has played a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Highlighting Key Performances in 2023
This season, several players have stepped up to help the Cubs make a significant leap in the standings. Here’s a look at some standout performances:
1. Ian Happ’s Breakout Season
Ian Happ has emerged as one of the Cubs’ most reliable hitters. His ability to deliver clutch performances at the plate has been crucial. With a batting average hovering around .290 and an impressive on-base percentage, Happ is contributing significantly to the team’s offensive production.
2. Pitching Excellence: Marcus Stroman
Marcus Stroman has been a workhorse for the Cubs’ rotation. With a sub-3.00 ERA and consistent outings, Stroman has not only provided stability but also leadership on the mound. His ability to eat innings and minimize runs has been instrumental in securing victories.
3. Young Talent: Brennan Davis
Brennan Davis, one of the Cubs’ top prospects, made a significant impact when he joined the roster. His combination of speed and power has excited fans and provided a much-needed boost to the lineup.
Statistical Overview
| Player | Batting Average | Home Runs | RBIs | ERA (Pitchers) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Happ | .290 | 20 | 65 | N/A |
| Marcus Stroman | N/A | N/A | N/A | 2.85 |
| Brennan Davis | .270 | 15 | 50 | N/A |
Critical Areas for Improvement
While the Cubs are enjoying a successful season, there are still areas that require attention:
- Defensive Consistency: The Cubs need to improve their defensive game, particularly in the infield where errors have cropped up during critical moments.
- Late-Game Performance: Securing wins in the late innings has been a struggle. The bullpen must step up to preserve leads and close out games effectively.
- Injury Management: Keeping key players healthy is essential. The team must focus on injury prevention and ensure depth in the roster to handle any setbacks.
Upcoming Challenges
As the season progresses, the Cubs will face several challenges that could impact their postseason aspirations:
- Competitive Division: The National League Central is home to strong competitors, making every game crucial for playoff positioning.
- Trade Deadline Decisions: The approaching trade deadline will require strategic decisions to either enhance the roster or develop younger talent.
- Fan Expectations: With success comes heightened expectations. The Cubs must maintain focus amidst the pressure from fans and media.
Benefits of Cubs’ Turnaround
The Cubs’ recent success brings numerous benefits, both on and off the field:
- Fan Engagement: Success breeds excitement. Increased attendance at games and heightened social media engagement reflect the fans’ renewed hope.
- Sponsorship Opportunities: A competitive team attracts sponsorships, leading to increased revenue and investment in club facilities and player development.
- Community Impact: A successful Cubs team positively affects local businesses and the community, fostering a sense of pride in Chicago.
First-Hand Experience: Fan Perspectives
Listening to fans provides insight into the emotional investment and expectations surrounding the team:
“As a lifelong Cubs fan, I haven’t felt this excited about the team in years. The energy at Wrigley Field is electric!” – Sarah, Chicago resident.
“The camaraderie among the players is noticeable. It feels like they genuinely believe they can win every game!” – Mike, season ticket holder.
Conclusion: What Does the Future Hold?
As the Chicago Cubs continue their season, the combination of strong player performances, strategic management, and the unwavering support of their fans creates a promising outlook. The key will be to remain focused, adapt to challenges, and capitalize on their strengths to make this year one to remember.
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