The Other Cole Train

Thank the heavens the Cubs have finally figured out how to do a hot streak again. Was worried for a sec.

The Cubs lineup has endured some shuffling recently, with Willson Contreras landing on the IL, Addison Russell being demoted in favor of David Bote, and Jonathan Lucroy being signed and having a 3-hit first game. The additions of Ian Happ and Nick Castellanos to the 40-man have been fruitful, as Happ has FINALLY been hitting, with 10 RBIs in 13 games, and Castellanos is batting .424 with 14 hits, 6 of them doubles, in 8 games. But because he's not Bo Bichette, you haven't heard about that.

The bullpen is being retooled as well: Brad Brach has been released, Craig Kimbrel's on the IL, Pedro Strop's shaky as hell, and David Phelps and Duane Underwood have been brought in to save things. With Steve Cishek on the horn, I'm not especially worried, but...the fact that so many bullpen arms sank at the same time is giving me fears here.

At least the rotation is a bit easier to gauge. Yes, Lester's been concerning, but the other four are fantastic. Quintana and Darvish have gotten it together, Hendricks is back to ace-levels, and...Cole Hamels is the centerpiece. He just got back from the IL, and he's been sharp all season, with a 6-3 record and a 3.09 ERA in 19 starts. The Cubs got this guy to be a steady starting option in addition to their other, flukier ones, and this has rung true- Hamels will be a definite asset if (and probably when) the Cubs reach the postseason.

The Cubs have been unlucky away from home, but I have a feeling this is the point where their luck turns up.

Coming Tomorrow- The thunder from down under, throwing smoke all over the bay area.