Chicago Cubs: What will your favorite do in 60 games–or more?

Chicago Cubs: These two could have monster “seasons” in 2020

Generally speaking, there is a learning curve (no pun intended) when every player starts a season. With extended spring training and offseason workouts, those curves have been regulated and flattened (you haven’t heard that expression the last three months) by many players. However, the fact remains- some guys get off to great starts historically and some seem to be stuck in the mud in April and May.

In 2019, several Cubs got out of the gates quickly in their first 60 games. Willson Contreras started 53 of the Cubs’ first 60 games and put up a slash line of .278/.383/.526. I think most fans would take that this season as well. In addition, he posted 13 home runs, 36 RBI, and 32 runs scored. Kris Bryant also had a good start to the season in 2019. He posted a slash line of .270/.385/.535 with 46 runs scored, 16 doubles, 34 BB, and the same exact 13 home runs and 36 RBI as Contreras.

Anthony Rizzo put up phenomenal numbers to start the season- 16 home runs, 45 RBI, 41 runs, and a .276/.390/.542 slash line. Javier Baez also started well in his first 60 games, swatting 16 home runs as well, driving in 42, and posting a really tremendous .306/.347/.584 slash line along with his usual spectacular defense.

Suffice it to say, if the Cubs got those lines from guys who should all be hitting in the top five spots in the lineup, they’ll be sitting pretty in the NL Central. However, four guys does not make a team, regardless of how you stack them in the lineup.