Chicago Cubs: Top five surprises of the season’s first month

Apr 18, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop

(13) is congratulated for hitting a walk-off single during the eleventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field. Chicago won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Almost a full-month into the 2015 season, the Chicago Cubs sit at 12-8, just one game back of the division-leading St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. Jake Arrieta has been every bit as good as he was last year in his first full season in Chicago and the offense has been bolstered by the combination of Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant.

The young club has blossomed under the guidance and teachings of first-year Cubs’ skipper Joe Maddon, who has brought disco parties and life to the Chicago clubhouse, while leading the team in battle every night.

So with the first month almost in the books, what is the biggest surprise for Chicago Cubs’ fans? Is it Jon Lester‘s struggles or the emergence of Kris Bryant? What about the call-up of Addison Russell?

Next: 5) Addison Russell promoted in mid-April