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Chicago Cubs: Opening month of season shows team’s inconsistency

By Corey Francis

Apr 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs players (L to R) Jon Jay (30) and Jason Hayward (22) and Kyle Schwarber (12) and Addison Russell (27) and Albert Almora Jr. (5) look on before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 26, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs players (L to R) Jon Jay (30) and Jason Hayward (22) and Kyle Schwarber (12) and Addison Russell (27) and Albert Almora Jr. (5) look on before playing the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Wade Davis (71) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the ninth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Group of the month

There are really only two groups of players that need mentioning here. First, there is the bench.

Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs /

Chicago Cubs

Both Albert Almora and Jon Jay are being utilized as bench players, with some spot starts. Almora began hot but has cooled of late. Still, a slash-line of .279/.354/.488 is what the Chicago Cubs expected. Jay is showing why he is such a desired player. If he played more often, he would lead the team in average and on-base percentage. But, as it sits, he has not acquired enough at-bats to qualify. Add Montero to the mix, and the bench is solid.

However, the bullpen deserves the recognition this month. We mentioned their struggles to start the season earlier. It is what they have done recently that makes the difference. Carl Edwards, Hector Rondon and Wade Davis are virtually perfect right now. Edwards and Davis have yet to give up an earned run. And, after a rough start, Mike Montgomery is settling into a rhythm that made him valued in 2016.

While Justin Grimm and Brian Dunning have struggled, the rest of the pen is proving worthy of praise. Here is hoping they keep it up.

Next: Cubs have a quality pitching piece blowing away hitters in minors

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