Have you watched a Cubs game this year? Chances are, the answer is probably not.
And really, why should you? There isn’t a really good reason to drop everything and watch a team with a 59-74 team. Especially if you’re outside of the Chicago area. Let’s be real. Even if you’re IN the Chicago area.
But something crazy is happening on the North Side. All of a sudden, the Cubs have slowly put together the pieces for a dynasty.
Sure, there has been plenty of attention on the big-name prospects. Javier Baez, Addison Russell, Kris Bryant. All stars who have yet to see time at the Major League level (except Baez’s cup of coffee this past month). But, more importantly for the much sooner future, is what is going on with the likes of Anthony Rizzo, Starlin Castro, and Jake Arrieta.
Each of the Cubs three “stars” for this year came in with a busload of doubters. Rizzo and Castro were coming off simply terrible years, while Arrieta hadn’t really proven anything to anyone. Well, the Cubs’ core is putting together a season that should get people pretty excited.
Rizzo is second in the NL in home runs. Castro is one of the game’s top offensive shortstops. And Arrieta is just a few innings away from qualifying to be among the league leaders in ERA.
Here is where things get really interesting, though. The Cubs lineup this week now features six of the eight position players of the future. And, as things have been going, it seems to be working.
The Cubs are 39-41 since June 1st. That may not sound sensational, but considering Edwin Jackson is 1-6 in his last ten starts, we could realistically say that if we had a valid starting pitcher in that spot in the rotation, we could be an over .500 team.
Not to mention the fact that, with free agency looming, the Cubs have already essentially declared their losing days over. The Cubs put a waiver claim out on Cole Hamels, stating for the world to know that they are going to be spenders on free agent or trade pitching this winter. While a deal didn't get done, it did call attention to what the Lovable Losers are trying to do.
There is something special going on in Chicago, and it is looking a lot like hope.
Based on this season’s performances and what the Cubs could reasonably expect, here is a very early look at what next year could hold for the Cubs:
1. Arismendy Alcantara (CF): Mendy has been a great defender while learning how to man center field for the Cubs this season. While his average is a little low for a lead-off hitter, a full season will do this kid wonders.
2. Starlin Castro (SS): As a very good hitter, but less pop than some of his teammates, Castro would be a great table-setter here in the two spot.
3. Anthony Rizzo (1B): Rizzo has bounced back from a terrible year last season, and seems to be proving that his issues against left-handed pitching are far behind him. I would love to see Anthony named the official captain of the Cubs...but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
4. Kris Bryant (3B): The world is begging to see Bryant in Chicago as early as Monday for expanded rosters. While that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, Bryant is staking his claim on the third base gig as early as possible.
5. Jorge Soler (RF): In his debut, Soler hit a home run on one of the most beautiful swings I’ve ever seen from a rookie. This kid looks like he can rake, and I can’t wait to see him take over as the Cubs’ best pure athlete. I see something almost Yasiel Puig-esque in him.
6. Javier Baez (2B): Baez would be batting higher if it wasn’t for his contact issues. Baez has proven that, if he gets ahold of one, it will go a LONG way. That being said, if he continues to strike out 40% of the time, he will be too much of a liability to put any higher in the order. Overall, though, you can’t sleep on a guy who has 7 homeruns in his first 23 games.
7. Chris Coghlan (LF): Coghlan has been a huge surprise (pleasantly) this season. Actually, not quite true. You see, I’ve been calling for this kind of player for years. Let a young, formerly touted talent on in a minor league contract and let him show you what he can do. Well, apparently lead the Cubs back into brighter days, is what Coghlan can do. He has been the best all-around hitter for the Cubs in the last month, and has all but guaranteed a spot in next year’s lineup.
8. Catcher: Sure, Wellington Castillo is what we have right now. This is the one spot on the diamond, though, where the Cubs could realistically go out and spend the money to find either a short-term replacement until Kyle Schwarber gets here (if Schwarber will, in fact, catch), or a long-term replacement if they’re looking for the catcher of the future. Some options include: Ryan Doumit, Russell Martin, and Geovany Soto (wouldn’t that be interesting?)
Pitching-wise:
1. Jake Arrieta: He has more than proven he can be this team’s anchor and ace.
2. Kyle Hendricks: I think he should be getting Rookie of the Year consideration, but I guess next year’s Cy Young voting will be a better way to use your votes.
3. Travis Wood: We still aren’t sure which Wood is the real one: 2013 or 2014.
4. Felix Doubront: The Cubs have had a history of helping talented yet struggling pitchers get their lives back together. Maybe we have another King Felix on our hands.
5. Free agent ace: Let’s go out and spend the big bucks. Jon Lester, James Shields, Max Scherzer. Any one of those guys could put the Cubs into winning form. RIGHT. NOW.
**Notice the abysmal Edwin Jackson will not be making the Cubs starting rotation (at least not if the ZP: Left Fielder has anything to say about it.)
We know that Cubs fans love to dream about next year. This may be a giant exercise in just that fantasy. Yet, at the same time, it looks like next year just might be here...next year.
