Chicago Cubs: Bullpen improving; Daniel Descalso starts strong

It didn’t take long for the Chicago Cubs bullpen to show its cracks. Well, full-blown holes. But the staff may be turning the corner, and able to support a potent offense.

The first week for the Chicago Cubs pitching staff as a whole–minus Jon Lester–needs to be thrown out. But over the last three games, they’ve shown the ability to keep teams at bay, especially in the bullpen. If this were three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates, I’d understand your skepticism. But the first-place Brewers were part of that, which is why I still have hope for things to level off and play solid baseball this season.

When the Cubs signed Daniel Descalso as their ‘significant’ offseason signing, fans weren’t all too happy. They wanted Manny Machado or Bryce Harper. Instead, they got Descalso. He’s done well to disperse the naysayers as he’s started off the season strong at the plate. He’s never going to be either of those two, but he came at a steal for what that two commanded in salary.

The Cubs have made a habit of finding bullpen pieces that fall ‘under the radar.’ Sometimes, it’s a player coming off of injury. Others, a former top prospect who lost his way, but the Cubs see something in him. Allen Webster falls in the latter, as he was once a top prospect. If he could find some of that old magic, the Cubs could really use it about now.

Cubs on Twitter

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Has the Cubs bullpen turned the tides?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs’ Descalso starts off strong’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Webster could be the next big pen piece‘ – Cubbies Crib

‘Was Puig’s suspension excessive?’ – Blog Red Machine

‘Lester heads to IL with hamstring issue’ – ESPN

Be sure to check back later today for more Cubs news and analysis! And follow us on our Twitter @CubbiesCrib, like our Facebook page for more Cubs conversation! And be sure to check out our Climbing the Ivy Podcast each week as we cover even more Cubs baseball!