Chicago Cubs: How the Cubs stack up against NL contenders

Sep 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) acknowledges the crowd after the cCubs celebrated their 2016 division championship at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs catcher Willson Contreras (40) acknowledges the crowd after the cCubs celebrated their 2016 division championship at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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San Francisco Giants

Record (as of Sept. 27): 82-74

Home Record: 40-35

Away Record: 42-39

One Run Games: 28-27

Versus Cubs: 3-4

Team ERA: 3.72 (5th in NL)

Batting Average Against: .244 (4th in NL)

It is an even year. The San Francisco Giants win the World Series in even years. You can not count them out. In a short series, facing Madison Bumgarner and Johnny Cueto will be difficult. But, the rest of the rotation is shaky. Every other starter has an ERA above 3.83, including trade acquisition Matt Moore.

The offense is average. No player has more than 16 home runs, but seven have more than 10. Two players have more than 88 strikeouts. Hunter Pense, the spark-plug of Giants has been held in check in five games versus the Cubs this season. So has Buster Posey. The Cubs will need to continue limiting the Giants’ from getting on base. They are eighth in the NL in stolen bases, and are a station-to-station team.