The Chicago Cubs have sent a clear message over the last week that is deeper than a Pete Crow-Armstrong hot streak. The most impressive part of the week was taking a series from the Atlanta Braves, a team clearly considered among the NL's top contenders and already a division winner taking the National League East. It was a potential playoff series preview that saw Atlanta look to be the inferior roster and allow the Cubs to win two of the three game set.
Not only did the Cubs manage this, but coming off a series that had a chance to be a clear letdown spot the roster remained focused taking two out of three games from the Reds. A team that is already thinking about the light at the end understanding they are playing for nothing except spoiling other runs.
Chicago handled business and now is in a great position in the wildcard race. The Cubs are tied for the first wildcard spot getting a clear advantage of they are able to hold onto this. The San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies hold the final two spots with both roster presenting a difficult matchup that the Cubs just proved they are more than capable of handling.
As much as Crow-Armstrong might be the driving force of the roster, it is a deeper unit than given credit for. While currently injured, Alex Bregman has World Series experience during his time with Houston as does Dansby Swanson being an important piece of the 2021 Braves championship run.
Cubs spent last week proving why they shouldn't be ignored in crowded National League
Chicago's biggest remaining concern is whether or not the pitching staff can find a hot streak at the perfect moment. The bullpen is clearly the biggest concern as the unit simply hasn't offered the level of consistency you'd expect to see from one of the top postseason contenders. Still, there is no denying that Chicago has all the pieces in place to go on a surprise run.
What continues to offer intrigue to the final two series of the regular season is whether or not Chicago is able to hold the top wildcard spot and what matchup they will draw. It appears clear at this point that it will be the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers sitting out the first round awaiting the winner of the wildcard series.
Chicago has given themselves a needed confidence boost and a better chance to advance with a week of solid play. One that the rest of the National League should take note of understanding the capability of an underrated roster.
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