Chicago Cubs: Five reasons to believe in this team’s playoff chances

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The “old” guys are getting it done

With all the youth this team has, the front office did their best to integrate veterans into the roster. Some with playoff experience, others with a good amount of years under their belt. It’s nice to think that putting a team of 25 and under’s on the field will win every game, but it simply isn’t true.

David Ross was thought to be nothing more than Lester’s “personal” catcher. He’s proved that to be quite false. The man still has the arm of a rookie behind the plate, essentially the reason that Lester doesn’t fear the running game. Ross will retire one day–Lester will need to master the art of the pickoff at some point.

Miguel Montero has brought leadership and offense with his as well. Chris Denorfia has been one of the best Cubs pinch-hitters since Reed Johnson, and the aforementioned Wood has taken the “demotion” with class to do what the team has asked of him out of the pen. Jason Motte has been a middle relief guy, a closer, to everything in between. These “old-timers” are helping lead the way for these young Cubs to do things the right way. So far, so good. 

Next: No. 1: Ricky who?