Chicago Cubs: Top five performances so far this season

Jon Lester pitching like an ace in May

After his first month in a Chicago Cubs uniform, Jon Lester made more than a few fans nervous with his performance. He was winless and had an earned run average north of 6.00. The former Red Sox lefty failed to pitch past the sixth and allowed at least three runs every time out. Needless to say, after signing a six-year, $155 million deal this winter, fans expected a bit more than this.

In May, however, the Lester of old has emerged. He’s pitched to a 1.85 ERA in five starts, picking up four wins in the process. His control has been more of an issue, but he’s overcome that so far, leading Chicago to wins over the Brewers, Mets, Pirates and Cardinals in the process.

It’s hard to quantify the impact Lester has in the Chicago clubhouse on a daily basis. The Cubs’ southpaw has shown a bulldog mentality that’s followed him to the Windy City from Boston, where losing in unacceptable and perfection is always the end goal.

One thing’s for sure: for the first time in years, Chicago has a bona fide ace.

Next: 3) A new face of the franchise in Chicago