Chicago Cubs poised to hoist plenty of hardware this season

Aug 30, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs players swarm starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) after pitching a no hitter against the against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Cubs won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Cy Young Award: Jake Arrieta

What really needs to be said here? Let’s begin with the fact he is the only 20-game winner in the game. I’ll be honest and admit that wins is an overrated statistic today – but on the flip side, we don’t get very many of these performances anymore given how specialized pitching staffs have become.

The nod may still go to the Dodgers’ Zack Greinke, but with the historic second-half that Arrieta has turned it, it may be a tougher decision than we thought. Since the All-Star Break, Arrieta has posted a 0.86 ERA, which would be a Major League record if it holds up.

More importantly, the job he has done not only reflects his success but it’s resulting in success for the team when they need it most.

While Greinke has been good, there’s no doubt that Arrieta has been a force on the hill this season – and he has helped carry the Cubs back to October.

Next: The man pulling all the right levers