3 Cubs players who are proving their ST stats were a fluke, and 2 who were legit

The Chicago Cubs finally look like they can make a run and solidify themselves as a serious contender for the NL Central. They've won four consecutive series' while stringing together 10 victories in their last 12 games since June 9. One of the most effective parts of the team has been the starting pitching, whose ERA ranks fifth in the league. Marcus Stroman and Justin Steele have been anchors while Drew Smyly is pitching above everyone's expectations. Kyle Hendricks also recently returned from a long-term injury, and he has looked as close to the 2016 version of himself as I can remember.

The offense has also been more consistent and has seen production from almost every spot. A couple of these guys have been proving themselves all year even going back to Spring Training. However, there were also a few guys who put up decent numbers in the Spring who are not bringing the same production in the regular season.

Let's take a look at 3 Cubs players whose Spring Training stats were a fluke and 2 players who are living up to their stats from March.

Fluke: Utility man Miles Mastrobuoni

I don't think I speak for myself when I say that I've had enough of Miles Mastrobuoni. For some reason that probably makes zero sense, David Ross pencils this guy into the lineup every once in a while (less so in the last couple of weeks) and it makes my blood boil every time it happens. The guy is slashing .145/.254/.177 with a laughable wRC+ of 28 (the league average is 100). I am pretty shocked that Mastrobuoni has not been designated for assignment yet because he brings little value to this team.

I'm not saying Mastrobuoni looked like a star in Spring Training, but he had 7 hits, 6 walks, and 3 stolen bases in 10 games. He at least looked like a viable utility man and like he could serve as a decent backup should someone go down with an injury. But he has been anything but and I think it's time to cut him loose.

Legit: OF/IF Christopher Morel

When I say Christopher Morel has been raking all year, I mean it. The 23-year-old's breakout year began in Spring Training, where he cranked four home runs, scored 11 runs, and collected 14 hits in 22 games played. His unassuming ability to hit for power carried over into the first month of the season, which he spent with the Iowa Cubs. There he sent 11 missals over the fences and amassed an OPS of 1.155 while leading the International League in several hitting categories.

The front office finally listened to the fans and called Morel back up in May, where he went on a historic tear and hit 9 home runs in May. Five of those dingers also came in consecutive games. While Morel does strike out a lot, his power is invaluable to this team and he deserves to play every day. I would start giving him reps at third base sooner rather than later because there really isn't a place for him anywhere else. Patrick Wisdom's time with this team looks numbered and Nick Madrigal should not be a priority over Morel.

Fluke: 1B/DH Trey Mancini

Mancini's first year with the Cubs started off promising since he led the team in hits (16) in Spring Training and looked like he could give the Cubbies some much-needed thump. However, Mancini's production has been slowly dying on the vine all year and has taken a dramatic nose-dive recently. Over his last 30 games, Mancini is slashing .214/.320/.333 with just 1 home run. He is striking out more than 27% of the time and his wRC+ (87) and WAR (-0.5) are below league average, meaning he is producing less than a replacement-level player. For a guy who signed a two-year contract, he's certainly not earning the paycheck.

Legit: OF Mike Tauchman

Ok, let's just say that Mike Tauchman has been legit so far. Let's not forget that he is a 32-year-old journeyman who has had one good year at the major league level in the past (2019). That being said, the Chicagoland native is taking his opportunity and making a case for regular playing time. In fact, his production has even pushed Cody Bellinger over to first base for the time being as Tauchman has proven to be more than capable of manning center field.

But where the real value is coming from is Tauchman's bat, as his slash line is .289/.411/.389. Even though he's not hitting for power, Tauchman is getting on base, taking his walks, and collecting hits. Signs of his value were teased in Spring Training, where Tauchman led the team in stolen bases (6), ranked fourth in walks (8), second in runs scored (9), and first in doubles (4).

The Cubs are likely going to ride Tauchman's success for however long it lasts. But I get the feeling that he will go the way of Frank Schwindel at some point due to his age and inability to hit for power. There are also two better center fielders in the system right now in Cody Bellinger and Pete Crow-Armstrong. But Tauchman is a hometown guy (native of Palatine) so his story is a fun one at least.