Chicago Cubs made right choice in Brandon Morrow; remembering 2008

On an off-day, we took a look at the Chicago Cubs decision on Brandon Morrow this winter and looked back at the ultimately disappointing ’08 team.

Winners of six consecutive contests, the Chicago Cubs got a little post-holiday PTO, with the team enjoying a well-deserved day off on Thursday. After sweeping a pair of AL Central clubs in the Twins and Tigers, redemption is on everyone’s mind heading into the weekend.

In late June, the Cubs headed to the Great American Ballpark for a weekend series against the Reds. They left with their tails tucked between their legs on the wrong side of a sweep. Since then, though, they’ve looked like a vastly different team. I have little doubt they’ll want to handle business at Wrigley this weekend with the Reds coming in.

One thing we’ve seen during this recent stretch of strong play? Willson Contreras heating up at the dish. The Cubs catcher, locked in a battle for a starting nod in the All-Star Game, hit well all year really. But only in the last week have we seen the power stroke in his game. As we all saw last season, when he’s hitting, the Cubs are a lethal force.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Brandon Morrow, a regular battery mate of Contreras, continues to pitch well in the first year of his deal.

The Cubs opted to pass on Wade Davis in lieu of Morrow – a decision that seems to be paying off. Davis has struggled in Colorado, where he signed a record deal to close games out for the Rockies.

While Davis turned in a stellar season last year, he tightrope-walked his way in and out of danger. At least, so far, Morrow has been a relatively stress-free experience. I have to say, I have no complaints about him blowing a heater and a devastating cutter past guys to close out games.

Last, but certainly not least, we looked back 10 years on the 2008 Cubs. This, of course, was a team that rolled through the regular season. With hopes high and a star-studded lineup, it seemed as if the ‘curse’ was near its end. But, we all know how that wound up.

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Next: After years of dominance, Rizzo remains underappreciated

What’s Next

Chicago opens a three-game set against the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field. Left-hander Mike Montgomery starts Friday’s contest opposite Tyler Mahle.