3 reasons to believe in the Cubs following their hot start

3 reasons to believe in the Cubs: #2 - The starting rotation is looking more and more like the real deal

Marcus Stroman and Justin Steele both deserve mention among the best starting pitchers in the league halfway through the season's first month. They've been equally impressive and have been anchors atop the starting rotation.

Drew Smyly is settling in after a bumpy start to the season, as is Jameson Taillon. Seeing rookie Hayden Wesneski get a little more comfortable this week against Oakland was a huge positive for the team given his pair of rocky outings to open the year, and it's all positive signs on the Kyle Hendricks front, as well, as the right-hander works his way back from shoulder surgery.

On the season, Cubs starters boast a 2.95 ERA - tops in the Senior Circuit and the third-best mark in all of Major League Baseball, trailing only the Twins and Rays. This group has learned to take advantage of the revamped defense, rather than overpowering hitters and focusing on the swing-and-miss. The result has been a consistent product day-in and day-out, allowing the Cubs to have a chance to win on an everyday basis.