Cartoon by Lambert-King
The statement, “Every time you think you’re out, they drag you back in.” seems to apply to the 2024 Chicago Cubs. I’ve written the Cubs off numerous times this season, and they are indeed a longshot to make the playoffs, but an argument can be made that they have a shot. After all, they have won 18 out of their last 30.
They have a favorable schedule
As of now, the Cubs have 45 games left. Those 45 games include three each with the Guardians, Yankees, Dodgers and Phillies. Other than that, it’s pretty soft. It includes series with Detroit, Miami, Colorado, Oakland and two games with the White Sox. The rest of the games are played with mediocre, but not terrible teams.
Post-trade deadline help
The biggest move the Cubs made at the trade deadline was to send Christopher Morel along with reliever Hunter Bigge and pitching prospect Ty Johnson to the Rays for third baseman Isaac Paredes. After a slow start, Paredes has settled in, giving the Cubs a power bat in the middle of the lineup, and a good glove at third.
However, the Cubs have done a remarkable job of renovating the bullpen. Julian Merryweather has come back to provide some help. Drew Smyly has been in a really good groove, and currently has an ERA of 2.56. After being picked up from the Seattle Mariners, Tyson Miller has pitched 29.1 innings with an ERA of 1.52. A key to his success is he’s walked only four batters.
Porter Hodge has also done well and even Hector Neris hasn’t been quite as bad as he had been. Still, I don’t want to see him close.
The bottom of the lineup has provided some help
Dansby Swanson has been as good as advertised at shortstop for some time now. Plus, his bat has come alive. He’s raised his average to .230 and has come through with some huge hits. It seems like the light bulb came on for Pete Crow-Armstong at the plate. As I’m writing this, he just lined a triple to right field off Garrett Crochet. That’s impressive. That was also his sixth triple. PCA’s offense is a very positive development.
Even Miguel Amaya has raised his batting average to .210. And in limited action, even backup catcher, Christian Bethancourt, has provided a few big hits. The Cubs offense is still inconsistent but is at least better.
Will they get help from Iowa?
The Cubs currently have their top prospects Matt Shaw, Owen Caissie, James Triandos all sitting at AAA Iowa. That’s a nice pool of talent to have for September call ups. So, who will the Cubs call up in September? Probably Miles Mastrobuoni. But I’ll continue to hope.
