Are the Chicago Cubs' Recent Struggles Reason For Concern?

The Chicago Cubs started off the season 11-6 through their first 17 games. The Cubs and their fans were feeling good and expectations for the team skyrocketed. However, the last 10 games have not been so easy as the Cubs are just 3-7. The north siders lost three of four against the Los Angeles Dodgers, won the series againt the San Diego Padres but were swept by the Miami Marlins. After a hot start to the season, should the Cubs be worried about their recent struggles?

The Cubs are still a good team.

This team is still talented and ready to take the next step. The offense actually out-hit the Marlins in two of the three games during the sweep. On the season the Cubs are third in hits per game (9.56), ninth in home runs (37), second in batting average (.276) and third in OPS (.795). More times than not, the offense does their job and they do it well. In fact, the Cubs have a homered in 11 games straight heading into Monday's series with the Washington Nationals. The offense has shown that the start they had was not a fluke. If the Cubs continue to hit as they are, they will produce more runs and win more games.

Despite a 'rough' outing Sunday, Justin Steele is still a top pitcher in baseball right now. Marcus Stroman and Drew Smyly are also having solid starts to their season and it seems like this will continue for the forseeable future. With three solid starters, the Cubs need Hayden Wesneski to step up a little more while as some injuries play out. Jameson Taillon is progressing towards a return and Kyle Hendricks has begun his rehab assignment. Even though Hendricks struggled, it is still nice to see him back on the mound. With all this said, the Cubs have proven to themselves and the MLB that they are going to be a good team this year.