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) gets a bath from a cooler after throwing a no hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Cubs won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Make no mistake about it: this is a season for the history books on the North Side of Chicago.

The 2015 summer has been memorable – and that’s putting it mildly. The Chicago Cubs are making believers out of just about everyone who watches them, including national baseball writers who initially pegged the club as one year from contending.

When we look back, this season will be defined by the long winning streaks and the baby bears that injected life into a storied franchise that has been treading water for the past half-decade.

But there’s more to this group than just the team, as a whole. Several key players, including Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Jake Arrieta have a fair shot at bringing home some awards of their own at season’s end.

With the team headed to the postseason, let’s hope there’s one more theme that emanates through the campaign when we look back: hardware.

Next: The man pulling all the right levers

Jul 8, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon makes a pitching change following the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Manager of the Year: Joe Maddon

Maddon has been nothing short of magnificent in his first season on the North Side.

On the brink of a 90-win season, baseball writers would be hard-pressed to find a manager more deserving of the National League honors than the Cubs skipper. Yes, there have been times when his decisions have backfired, but it can’t outweigh the amount of good he has done.

Maddon would tell you himself that you can’t be afraid to try things. If a steal attempt doesn’t work or a hit-and-run results in a double play so be it. The aggressiveness he has shown has trickled down the roster and the players know it.

Balancing the on-field strategy day to day while keeping a group of inexperienced players loose has been remarkable, and you really cannot overemphasize just how perfect a fit this has been between Maddon and Chicago.

Next: The blue-eyed miracle leads the charge

Aug 27, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs infielder Kris Bryant (17) sits in the dugout before the start of the game against the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie of the Year: Kris Bryant

Kris Bryant is about to complete the best statistical season for a Cubs rookie in team history. Capped off by surpassing Billy Williams for home runs in his first year, Bryant is also dominating the rest of the league’s first-timers in runs batted in, WAR and several other statistical measures.

Currently sitting on 98 RBI, Bryant has 27 more runs batted in than the next-best rookie. His 26 homers would also lead the league if the season ended today. Major League Baseball has learned to pitch to Bryant carefully knowing that he can change a game instantly, but he’s countered with the ability to adjust immediately.

Just the same as Maddon, Bryant has been every bit as good as advertised, following up his Minor League Player of the Year 2014 campaign with one of the best seasons turned in by a Cubs third baseman in years – let alone a Chicago rookie.

Next: Fear the beard, National League hitters

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