Chicago Cubs: Takeaways from the series win over the Los Angeles Dodgers

Apr 13, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) and center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) and center fielder Albert Almora Jr. (5) celebrate after defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward (22) hits a single during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

J-Hey carrying a big stick for Chicago

After a full winter dedicated to his approach at the plate, Jason Heyward is finally seeing some results.

For the second-straight spring, Heyward struggled badly in Cactus League action, making us all a little anxious about that record contract. But, to open the regular season, the outfielder has been nothing short of powerful.

The former first-round pick carries a .290 average into the opener against the Bucs Friday at Wrigley. On Sunday in Milwaukee, Heyward squared up pitches in every single at-bat in a win over the Brewers. Although he’s yet to hit a long-ball, it’s only a matter of time with how he’s driving pitches.

His mental approach even seems improved. He now expects to be a force at the dish, evidenced by some choice words he let fly during ESPN’s coverage of the home opener earlier this week. When a player expects results, he’s feeling good.

And when Jason Heyward is feeling good, the Chicago Cubs offense rises to a completely new level.

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