Chicago Cubs: Three keys to break tough losing streak

Key #2: Starting pitchers must step up…again

By far the biggest question mark coming into this season for the Cubs was their bullpen. It’s been a weak spot for the last two seasons, and despite some big-name acquisitions not much worked to improve the unit.

That’s why a key to the team’s great start was their starting pitchers going deep in games. Hendricks on opening day was great, but the team also got a couple of great starts from Tyler Chatwood and Alec Mills. Both pitchers faltered in their last start.

It’d be nice if the bullpen would step up and get on track. It would help the team mentally in the later innings during close games. Not being harsh, I don’t think it’s realistic to expect this current bullpen to raise their level that much. I’d love to be proven wrong, but I don’t see it.

It’s more realistic to ask this group of starters to step up and start going deep into games again. If they can get this going in their next series, it may help loosen everyone up and get the team’s bats going. This rotation already proved they have the talent to carry the team’s pitching.

The bullpen is a concern that isn’t going away and needs to be addressed. But in this upcoming series against the Cardinals, it’s absolutely crucial that the starters go deep in games. The bullpen may be completely decimated if they’re used heavily over the five games in three days.

It’s not all on the bullpen though, there are some other guys who need to step up as well.