Shota in the Dark

 

The thing about the Cubs right now is...I mean, they look good. Statistically there's a lot that stands out. And you could make the argument that they're looking this good because of those two extra Japan games, but like...they lost those games. It's not THAT much stat beefing. I look at the stretch they've had since and there have been some huge moments. Multiple runaway games, including beating the Dodgers 16-0. One of the best starts by anyone in the game right now. A backup catcher hitting .419 in 31 at-bats. I don't think the extra games have much to do with that.

If anything, the early start has created narratives that have already elapsed. Matt Shaw's unspectacular rookie run at third, which has given way to Jon Berti. Justin Steele's excellent start, leading the MLB in wins before being out for the rest of the season. The return of 'Is PCA really up to this whole majors thing?' discourse before he suddenly started hitting. We've gotten all that out of our system, and a very good baseball team still remains. 

Look at Shota Imanaga so far, proving his 2024 wasn't just a fluke. So far he's 2-1 with a 2.22 ERA and 21 Ks. With Steele gone, Imanaga seems like a trustworthy guy to have at the head of the rotation. There's a lot of those this year, an emphasis on veterans, people like Taillon and Rea and Boyd just hanging around and doing good work. The empty space that Kyle Hendricks left isn't exactly felt, there are enough people doing exactly what they should. With Wesneski gone the one less-tested starter is Ben Brown, and he's at the very least gone 2-1 with 20 Ks. 

After so many years, the Cubs have developed a really strong core, emphasizing contact over all else, where so many different people can be the hero. All of Tucker, Busch, Happ, Hoerner, Suzuki and PCA are all hitting very well, and can all perform in vital situations. PCA has 23 hits and 7 steals. Tucker has 6 homers and 21 RBIs. Busch is hitting .306, proving he's much more versatile than we all thought. So much is really impressing me about this lineup, in a way where Swanson taking a second to heat up isn't worrying me too much. 

I'm very happy with how the Cubs have started the season, but I also know that these teams tend to bend at unfortunate times. The Brewers are gaining, and building their own very good team, and the Cubs are now only a few games ahead of them. If they've got more 10+ run wins in them I'll be comforted, but until they really cushion themselves I'm gonna hold my applause. They may look like a new, dominant Cubs team, but they still haven't made the playoffs since everybody left. We'll see if this version starts a new trend.

Coming Tonight: Perhaps the most valuable player in the league that may never break the tier into superstardom.