Chicago Cubs: Are the St. Louis Cardinals again the Cubs’ biggest threat?

Chicago Cubs: Looking at the Cardinals chances

Unlike the Brewers and Pirates, the Cardinals only play the Cubs a few more times. A three-game set at Wrigley Field to conclude the regular season are the only remaining games between the two, and a lot can happen in between now and then.

Right now this Cardinals team is being carried by Matt Carpenter, who is going on an unbelievable tear. Since the All-Star Break, he is slashing .333/.449/1.272 with 14 home runs. Yes, 14 home runs. His production is one of, if not the main reason this team is winning a lot of games right now. Credit also has to be given to starting pitchers like Miles Mikolas, Jack Flaherty and John Gant for pitching well while Carlos Martinez has been on the DL.

What makes the Cardinals seem like more of the threat are the front office moves they have made. Biggest one firing Mike Matheny, who many would argue was the main problem with that team. Lack of chemistry and fundamentals is something a manager can really help or hurt. They also dropped the struggling Greg Holland to make room for new arms in the pen. Right now it looks like addition by subtraction, and that can make a big difference to a team.