The Chicago Cubs were one of Major League Baseball's hottest teams just over a week ago, but are now in the middle of a four-game losing streak. It has been a major disappointment to say the least, and many of the fans are beginning to panic. While that is a normal reaction to this kind of losing streak, there are five reasons in particular why the Cubs shouldn't panic despite the losing streak.
Joe Maddon has done an excellent job with the young roster that he has been given, and the Cubs have been overachieving all season long.That being said, they are still a playoff caliber team and shouldn't allow this kind of rough patch to deter them.
Plenty of young teams have faltered late in the season and come up short of their postseason dreams in the past. Chicago is nervous that the Cubs could become the next young team to choke. While that concern could become a reality, there is a very good chance that the Cubs' talent will overcome their youth and win enough game to get them into the postseason.
It isn't going to be easy, but it hasn't been easy to get to this point for the Cubs either. They aren't the same Cubs team that has struggled for so many years, and Theo Epstein has put together the veteran talent to go along with the dynamic young players.
What five reasons can be given to calm the Cubs and their fans down and prove that they shouldn't panic?
5. The Cubs' All-Around Offensive Talent
Chicago is one of the most powerful offensive teams in the entire league, and they have the ability and patience to focus on getting base hits while also possessing the power to crank out home runs in bunches. While most of the dynamic offensive talent is extremely young, they still are one of the best in MLB. That offensive production will help them win big games down the stretch and separates them from teams like the San Francisco Giants, who are also battling for the spot.
4. September Call-Ups Are Going to Be Special
Quite a few teams call up talented young players in September, but the Cubs will be calling up players that have a legitimate chance to make a major difference. Javier Baez is just one of the players that will be joining the Cubs, and he will bring even more power to the lineup. Adding that type of depth to the roster is going to be big for the Cubs and will help them make a late-season push.
3. Jon Lester Beginning to Find His Form
Jon Lester was the biggest free agent signing of last offseason, and he chose to come to the Cubs in order to help them turn things around. He was a big part of helping break the Boston Red Sox' curse and is hoping to do the same for the Cubs. After a rough start to the season, he is finally beginning to rebound and turn his career around and will continue getting better the rest of the way.
2. Jake Arrieta's Dominance
There isn't much more to say about Jake Arrieta than the fact that he is absolutely dominant. He is one of the best pitchers in baseball and has a good chance to compete for a Cy Young award. It has been a while since the Cubs have had that dominant of a starting pitcher, but times are changing on the north side of Chicago.
1. Joe Maddon's Presence
Simply having a calm manager like Joe Maddon is going to be a huge help for the Cubs as well. He knows how to get the most out of his players and usually knows how to put them in the best position for them to succeed. There is no question that the Cubs are going to need his baseball IQ down the stretch of the season, and he firmly believes in his teams ability to make it into the postseason.
