1. David Ross fills out a better lineup card than Joe Maddon
Thankfully, the days of Albert Almora batting leadoff appear to be in the rear-view mirror. Yes, Kris Bryant hasn’t been much better thus far, but he appears to be playing hurt, (again *sigh*.) Nevertheless, first year manager David Ross has consistently put the best nine players on the field and more often than not, it’s paid off.
2. Yu Darvish is really good
This takeaway is technically a carryover from last season, where the Japanese-born starting pitcher recorded a 2.76 ERA with 13 strikeouts per nine innings after the All-Star Break. It’s been more of the same for Darvish in 2020, with a 1.88 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings through four starts this season.
3. Did I mention Kris Bryant is playing hurt?
Alright this takeaway is ALSO a carryover from last season, and the year before that, and the one before that… Kris Bryant has all the talent in the world, as evidenced by his Rookie of the Year, MVP and World Series ring, but health has been a lingering concern for him in the years since those accomplishments. Now he’s sidelined with a wrist injury that’s likely contributed to his abysmal .177 batting average thus far.
4. MLB the Show Curse for Javy Baez?
The star shortstop has struggled his way to a .200 batting average and an ugly .244 on-base percentage. Javy is at his best when he doesn’t chase bad pitches and he’s whiffed plenty lately. He’s striking out in 32.6 of his at bats, which is a little too “Old Javy” for me. He should figure out soon, as a talented bat like his doesn’t often stay cool for long.
5. The bullpen hasn’t been THAT bad
Keep in mind, this is relative. As a collective unit, Cubs relievers have been worth 0.0 wins above replacement. That’s not great obviously but hey, it’s not in the red. Craig Kimbrel has been bad still (he may get a takeaway of his own), but Rowan Wick and Jeremy Jeffress have stepped up and done a nice job locking down games in high-leverage spots
6. No fans is weird
Like most things in life, weird is starting to feel normal, but no fans in the stands is still pretty strange. Again, like most things, it’s probably best to get used to it. The rest of this season will be watched on television from home. Even without the help of the Wrigley faithful, the Cubs have managed a 9-5 record at home.
7. Jason Kipnis has been a nice surprise
After a couple seasons of looking awfully washed up, the former all-star second basemen actually showed some signs of life last season as a Cleveland Indian. He’s stayed hot since becoming a Cub, batting .333 with a 1.103 OPS in 11 appearances this season. Most Cubs fans probably still miss Ben Zobrist, but Kipnis has been a great veteran addition to help teach young prospect Nico Hoerner.
8. On the topic of Jasons, Jason Heyward has been Jason Heyward
Gold Glove defense, a respectable batting average, grounding into double plays, the occasional home run, it’s been a normal season for the right fielder. And that’s ok. He doesn’t have to light the world on fire. He plays a valuable role for this team. It’s never going to be as valuable as his $184,000,000 contract, but it is what it is.
9. Tyler Chatwood has flashed upside
We’ve seen it before. The whole reason he’s a Cub in the first place is because he showed flashes in road games as a Colorado Rockie. After two really great starts, he kind of imploded against the Kansas City Royals, of all teams. Unfortunately, he didn’t have a chance to turn it around before a back strain placed him on the injured list.
10. Speaking of pitchers on the injured list: Jose Quintana is nearing a return
The lefty starter injured his thumb while washing dishes right before the start of the season. His rehab appears to be going well, as he’s pitched a simulated game and thrown a bullpen and appears to be close to re-joining the rotation. With Chatwood going down, Quintana may not have to worry about winning his spot back over Alec Mills, who’s impressed to start the year.
11. Jon Lester still has it
Big Jon has pitched his way to a 2.74 ERA and two wins through four starts. This is definitely encouraging considering his 4.46 ERA last season. At 36 years old, the big lefty may not have much left in the tank, but if he can keep turning back the clock, it will help this rotation continue to succeed.
12. Craig Kimbrel does not
As was the case last year, Kimbrel has looked like the worst pitcher on the team, if not the league. His curveball has lacked bite and he’s consistently grooved belt-high fastballs down the middle, and consequently, he’s been rocked. It’s hard to argue that he’s not all washed up, with a 13.50 ERA and a 2.571 WHIP.
13. Anthony Rizzo has been good, not great.
Much like Heyward being Heyward, Rizzo has delivered numbers on par with his career averages. He’s hit for some pop, with five home runs. He’s hit for a respectable batting average, at .250. Most importantly, he’s gotten on base at an elite rate, with a .433 on-base percentage. He’s a steady contributor, albeit one who doesn’t appear likely to tap into any undiscovered upside at this point.
14. David Bote is clutch
The young utility man seemingly never fails to deliver big hits when their most needed. His huge three-run bomb to center field against the St. Louis Cardinals ended a five-game skid on August 17th to keep the Cubs 3.5 games ahead in the division race. He will need to start hitting a little better in the ordinary moments however, as his .209 batting average leaves a lot to be desired.
15. Stop blowing leads to the Milwaukee Brewers
It seems like every game the Cubs jump on Milwaukee early, only to blow the lead down the stretch. The most frustrating thing about it is, the Brewers really don’t have all that much on offense after former MVP Christian Yelich. Somehow, someway, they just find ways to scratch back against the Cubs. Chicago has to be tougher in these games.
16. Cubs appear to be doing well in terms of COVID-19 safety
You never want to speak too soon, but things have been encouraging so far. Cubs players and staff seem to be taking things seriously and staying safe, as the team has yet to see an outbreak. The Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds have seen some positive cases postpone games within the division, which has led to some seven-inning doubleheaders for Chicago.
17. Is the best still to come?
The Cubs are 14-7 currently, but there’s reason to believe that they could be playing even better than that. Rizzo, Baez, Bryant, Kyle Schwarber and Wilson Contreras each have really yet to hit their stride and produce at their ceiling, this year. If the core five start clicking, this team could score a lot of runs.
18. Ian Happ is a beast
This is shamefully late in the 20 points to get around to the team’s best hitter through the first 20 games. Cubs fans are happy and they know it after seeing the now everyday center fielder bat .297 with 4 home runs and a .994 OPS. Not to mention, the glove has been strong playing a new position.
19. Will Cody Allen make a difference?
The Cubs acquired the former Cleveland Indians closer from free agency and Allen joined the alternate site team in South Bend. With the struggles of the bullpen, one would think that Allen may never be far away from returning to the majors to fill some innings for Chicago. He’s been good in the past, but more recently he’s been pretty atrocious.
20. Things look pretty good for baseball as a whole
Throughout baseball, COVID-19 positives remain fairly low. Games have been postponed, but the league has responded well to quickly schedule seven inning doubleheader makeups. A third of the way through the season, there is certainly cause for optimism that the remainder of the year will be played out. Obviously, things can change quickly, and players need to continue to be responsible, but things look promising so far.
