Chicago Cubs 2016 preview: June and July are table setters

The Chicago Cubs have a target on their back in 2016, and while a strong start is important its June and July that could define the season.

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The road to the World Series reaches its true starting point when the season reaches June and July. Being near the 60-plus game mark, teams begin to find out if what’s in front of them is the real deal, or if they are just delusional. The Chicago Cubs hope that by June 1st, the National League and all of Major League Baseball will be in their rear-view mirror.

June and July won’t be a good time to take the pressure off the gas pedal. The Cubs know from last year, that 97 wins can get you a wildcard, and 100 wins doesn’t guarantee a thing come October. The mindset should always be to win every game. Taking games off can cost you in the Central.

June begins as May ended, with the back half of a home stand that began against the Phillies and will conclude with a tough three-game set against the Diamondbacks. Most notably, Zack Greinke will come to town sporting the new salary and headlining a hungry D-back squad. We can only hope Kris Bryant can duplicate his moon shot off the scoreboard, similar to his long ball against Arizona a year ago.

June 6th-15th, the Cubs make a return trip to the city of brotherly love as well as stops in Atlanta and a three-game series in Washington.

The final extended homestand before the All-star break will prove to be an important stretch. The Cubs will face their division rivals back to back in what I assume will be a tight race by the time June rolls around. Three games against the Pirates, including a primetime 7:15 start on Saturday night. The Cubs then welcome the Cardinals to town with another chance to show off the pieces they lost during the off-season.

Go ahead and circle June 30th on your calendar. In the waning days of June and into July, the Cubs will celebrate the nation’s independence with a trip to where it all ended a year ago. Three games in New York against the Mets only sets the table for a month filled with matchups that personally hit home for many Cub fans.

The Cubs finish the first half with a short stop home against the reds followed by three in Pittsburgh. When the team returns from the much deserved time off, the Cubs open up the second half of the season with home games against a pair of playoff teams from last year.

Inter-league against the AL West continues with the arrival of the Texas Rangers. Stacked with young talent as well, the Rangers are a very good team in the second half and the Cubs might catch them during one of their many winning streaks we have come to witness in past years.

The homestand wraps up with public enemies number one coming to Chicago. The Mets make the return trip with memories of their NL Pennant-winning celebration they experienced last October. Jake Arrieta and Anthony Rizzo will be out to prove that they can defeat the buzzsaw from their nightmares.

Next: Sizing up the competition

The July highlights cap off with the annual crosstown showdown against the White Sox. The southside brass has looked jealous at times the past couple of years trying to compete with the news headlines being made across town. The addition of Todd Frazier provided a well-known opponent, and the Cubs hope to keep his bat quiet over the course of the four days that will include games in Wrigley Field and US Cellular Field.

June and July will be crucial to the future success for the Chicago Cubs. The necessity to do well will be heightened by an August schedule that won’t be for the faint of heart. August will be the month of travel. If you like frequent flyer miles, this will make you very happen. The main attraction…two trips to the west coast.

The Chicago Cubs have a target on their back in 2016, and while a strong start is important its June and July that could define the season.

Schedule