Chicago Cubs: Five predictions for the second half

The Chicago Cubs were a tale of two halves–in the first half alone. With the All-Star break behind them, what can we expect to see in the second half?

I am far from being a prophet. The Chicago Cubs destiny seemed to have been written in the winter as this being “their year”. I actually was one of those, as I picked them to top the San Francisco Giants for the NL crown before beating the Houston Astros to end the misery that has plagued Cubs’ fans for over a century.

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After a blistering start  fell into a sluggish finish, what can we expect from the Cubs in the second half of this season? I can assure you that if the Cubs find a way to replicate the pace that they started this season on, even I would be flabbergasted. But there are a few things I see happening in the second half that will help shape the 2016 season.

Will it be an MVP season for a Cubs’ player? Will one of the pitchers find a way to replicate Jake Arrieta‘s second half from last year? (That’s silly, I know) Big trade? Read on to find out what the old crystal ball has in store for the Cubs.

Next: Clutch pitching performance

Kyle Hendricks Cubs’ most effective pitcher

Now, I realize you could look at this in a few different ways. Kyle Hendricks? Did the rest of the staff have a meltdown? The answer to that is no, although I’m afraid to promise too much with Jason Hammel. His track record frightens me, but I’m hoping for the best. If you’ve been paying attention, Hendricks has been one of the most consistent of the Cubs’ staff, but he’s simply not getting the run support the others have.

Joe Maddon–for whatever reason–doesn’t allow Hendricks to venture too deep into games when it’s close. So in turn, he hasn’t been able to pitch himself into as many wins as say, Arrieta or Jon Lester have. I realize they have better track records as well as better stuff. The flipside of that is that Hendricks should be as well rested in the second half as anyone.

I’m not claiming he will win a Cy Young, and being the team’s best pitcher is subjective. Is it wins? ERA? If you’re curious why I think he can be this pitcher for the Cubs, take a look at this post from just a little before the break.

Next: Bryzzo finishes top two in home runs in NL

The Cubs will make a trade, but not for a Yankee

First off, the New York Yankees can’t seem to agree on if they’re a buyer or a seller (Spoiler: they should sell). But these hopes of acquiring Aroldis Chapman, Dellin Betances or Andrew Miller aren’t likely to come to fruition. And while the Cubs have the depth to make the deal, the Yankees can set the price at whatever they choose as they aren’t really being forced to deal any of the three.

Yes, the Cubs are loaded with positional talent, and not all the prospects coming through the system will make it to Chicago to play with the Cubs. So should the Cubs simply deal from the top to get one or two of the Yankees relievers? In my opinion, no. My argument? The Shelby Miller trade is a good place to start. The Diamondbacks gave up an absolute ransom for him–including their top pick from last season, Dansby Swanson. Now Miller is headed to Triple-A and the D-backs are in last place in the NL West.

I do believe the Cubs will make a deal that will be more newsworthy than last year, but not the blockbuster that many are hoping for. I’d keep an eye on Rich Hill and Josh Reddick of the A’s, and throw the possibility of Carlos Gonzalez in there. Slim chance but the Cubs could look to get a clutch bat like Car-Go if the opportunity arises.

Next: Back-to-back Rookie's of the Year?

Willson Contreras is here to stay

One of the more “low-key” additions was when the Cubs called up Willson Contreras. With Miguel Montero struggling with injury as well as his performance, and David Ross unable to catch every day the young Contreras got the call. Many, myself included, expected this to be a quick cup of coffee for the young man before eventually coming back in September. Instead, this has the feel of another Kyle Schwarber, doesn’t it?

With the versatility the Cubs have, Maddon has been able to carry three catchers on several occasions in his tenure in Chicago. It’s even easier when your catchers are able to play first base as well as patrol left field when you ask them to–with little experience ever doing it prior. Again, Schwarber, am I right?

The Cubs may be taking the opportunity to allow Contreras to gain confidence and experience on the field while also learning from two veterans in Ross and Montero. He’s added a bit of life into a position that is going to need it soon, and his overflowing confidence is what the team needs. Can he press his way into the conversation for the Rookie of the Year? It’s an uphill battle, but if he can continue to play as he has he could unseat Corey Seager of the Dodgers as the frontrunner.

Next: Another No-No?

Cubs staff will have at least one more no-hitter

Is he serious? We just want to see a quality start by a starter, no-hitter be damned! I get it, but we didn’t enter the season saying ” I hope the Cubs get the Wild Card”. No, sir. We set our sights high, and I’m going to continue that into the second half.

Who will it be? The obvious choice would be another from Arrieta. He has made runs at them on several occasions throughout his time in Chicago, and already has two to his name. I think he’ll come back focused, and the possibility of the Cubs using a six-man rotation wouldn’t hurt. Arrieta may have one of the most ridiculous fitness regimes in baseball, but he can still wear down.

I don’t see John Lackey doing it simply because he pitches to contact. Lester could if he has another month like he did in June when he was near untouchable. And as mentioned at the beginning of all this, don’t count out Hendricks. He’s perfecting his craft with each outing, and I can see him getting one before it’s all said and done.

Next: In closing...

So there you have it. My five picks for what you’ll see in the second half of 2016. Some were a bit of a stretch, others far from it. But baseball has always been about predictions. Partly because rarely are people ever right, and now they only have to get it right for half of a season, not the whole 162 games.

Clearly, I favored the “good” in these and not the bad. After the three week stretch the Cubs had and how they played, that’s all the “bad” I needed right now. I still believe the Cubs are the team to beat in the NL. The Giants will be there (it’s an even year), and the Mets will hang around as well, although losing Matt Harvey hurt and it seems the entire staff has bone chips in their pitching arm.

With these out of the way, it’s time to get back to baseball tomorrow. Hendricks gets us started tomorrow against the Rangers. It’s time to #FlytheW again.