Chicago Cubs fans must understand – this remains the Golden Age

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There were flashes of that 2016 team, and the never quit, never say die attitude lived on through the end. A tumultuous five-game series against the Nationals, which if anything, showed tremendous heart even if it ultimately showed their glaring flaws.

Down 3-0 in the NLCS to the Dodgers, Wade Davis capped off a gritty six-out save, his second multiple-inning save of the postseason.

Though few believed they could really come back down 3-1, who are we to really ever question the Cubs?

After what they have put us through.

Yes, the same franchise which tortured generations of fans is the same team that just snapped a five-game winning streak in elimination games. Three of those wins coming in the 2016 World Series.

Those Cubs.

Looking ahead

The core of the lineup is intact. If anything they have too many big league-ready players. If there is such a thing.

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The rigors of a 162-game season have a way of always testing those with the utmost luxury of depth. I recently contemplated an on-the-surface look at a trade from the ML roster that could make sense for Chicago.

With the departures of John Lackey, Jake Arrieta, and Miguel Montero officially coming off the books, that’s more than $35 million alone for the offseason ahead.

Theo’s first order of business should be inking Davis to that long-term extension. Brian Duensing was an unheralded hero out of the bullpen all season and will also benefit this winter.

Will the Cubs bring back Jon Jay, who enjoyed a resurgent season on the North Side, and delighted fans with his 40 mph pitches?

Thank you, Jake

If Arrieta pitched his final game in Chicago, what better way than walking off the mound a winner. Arrieta is a testament to what can happen, and what good things still lie ahead.

No one foresaw the kind of picture he was carving when Theo brought him and Pedro Strop aboard in 2013 for Steve Clevenger and Scott Feldman.

Sure, the starting pitching will have its holes. Heading into Opening Day right now, as is, Kyle Hendricks, Jon Lester and Jose Quintana are your front three. Though Epstein said Mike Montgomery (5-5, 4.15 ERA as a starter), likely continues in his bullpen role, perhaps Montgomery gets an opportunity to start, a role he has expressed previous desire in.

Then there’s the 23-year-old, and 2017 Minor League Pitcher of the Year, Jen-Ho Tseng (13-4, 2.54 ERA). He could get a serious look in camp, as well.

Rounding it all out

The bullpen, a talking point all season, was disastrous down the stretch. Whether fatigue, technique, or both, that will be an area to address. Justin Wilson has a full year ahead, and Carl Edwards Jr. is coming off his first full season, and most innings pitched.

But what about Hector Rondon, not on the NLDS roster and first out of the gate for the NLCS? Justin Grimm showed he can be really good — June 0.73 ERA — but lacked consistency.

The lineup remains stacked with the likes of Kris Bryant, who improved upon his MVP-season. Bryant slashed his strikeouts, upped his walks, improved his OPS. Anthony Rizzo, the veteran leader of the club, continues to evolve.

We also saw how well Javier Baez and Willson Contreras can carry the team offensively, evident to great roster depth.

Next: Could Dellin Betances make sense for the Cubs?

While I can’t promise the Cubs will win the World Series next season, they just wrapped up a third-consecutive trip to the NLCS. Something fans only dreamed about. A contender year after year.

So try to smile, this is the golden age of Cubs baseball.