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Chicago Cubs learning about the humbling nature of America’s pastime
By Jake Misener
Chicago Cubs: Turning it all around and fighting
By the Midsummer Classic, the Chicago Cubs’ fans had begun to panic.
Chicago Cubs
This isn’t how it was supposed to be. We all expected a dominant lead by this point in the season. But instead of that, the Cubs were in the throes of a battle in the Central. Chicago was up for the challenge, though.
Entering play Thursday, the team owns a 36-21 record in the second half. With a winning percentage north of .600, the Cubs are beginning to look more like the team we all know and love. Led by a resurgent Javier Baez, Chicago put together some impressive runs.
Big bats breaking out
This offense has shown what it’s capable of, throwing up double-digit run totals at least once a week (or so it seems).
In the first two games of the most recent series against New York, the Cubs put up 25 runs. With Willson Contreras back in the mix, the bats appear poised to wake up for the stretch run.
It’ll be about health for this team. Addison Russell is nearing a return. Jake Arrieta, sidelined with a hamstring strain, needs to be right for this team to make a deep postseason run. If key pieces get – and stay – healthy, Chicago is poised to make some noise again come October.