Chicago Cubs: Secret to success is…leather?

Offense Among League’s Best

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Anthony Rizzo’s slow start notwithstanding, the 2018 Cubs have been somewhat of an offensive revelation. Through April, Chicago’s 5.20 runs per game ranks fifth in baseball.

The team is top ten in baseball in slugging percentage, on base percentage and, logically, combined OPS. Most interestingly, this success comes despite a remarkably shallow bit of home run production from the usual suspects. Rizzo, Kris Bryant, Willson Contreras, and Addison Russell have combined for just four home runs through April.

It is a reasonable assumption to expect these lofty numbers to spike. Summer will usher in greener ivy, warmer temps, and that southerly breeze at Wrigley that usually translates to offensive production.

Still, it is astounding – and quite reassuring – to see the team produce offensive numbers like this. Ranking among the league leaders while playing a plurality of their games in cold weather and not yet having their best hitters at their best is a positive development.

Offense, on the whole, hasn’t been a catalyst for success or failure. To the contrary, it has been steady for much of the early season, win or lose.