Not three weeks ago, I said on this very platform that the National League division races were sewn up. Fast forward an All-Star Break and 10 or so games later and I am already backpedaling. That is because while the Dodgers and Nationals still hold double digit leads in their respective divisions, the Brewers have faltered. It isn’t all their fault though. The defending champion Cubs are rolling and bringing in mighty fine reinforcements in trades. Winter is coming, and that winter isn’t White Walkers, it’s the Cubbies.
The Cubs have mirrored the Brewers in their past ten games. Chicago is 7-3, with the Brew Crew going 3-7, including taking two of three in Milwaukee over the weekend. Their pitching has seemingly rebounded as well. They’ve given up three or more runs just twice since the second half began. The trio of John Lackey, Jon Lester, and Jake Arrieta has yet to lose in the second half, with each looking like their former All-Star selves in the process. The man who they acquired from the South Side, Jose Quintana, has regained his form as well despite being the only starter to take a loss since play restarted.
You can see it in the Cubs now. That swagger that carried them throughout last season is back. It seems new age-y to note that a team is smiling more, but well that’s what I’m about to do. Each hit is a celebration. Each strikeout is a cause for fist pumping. Willson Contreras is currently the one bringing in the power department at the moment, but a surge from Kris Bryant or Anthony Rizzo could occur at a moment’s notice. Even the still slumping Kyle Schwarber is still giving the team joyous occasions.
The remaining cause for concern is the bullpen, with the middle relief corps hurting and Wade Davis having his own bumps in the road. But help is on the way. Justin Wilson, along with the potential super sub, Alex Avila, arrives from Detroit. It cost them the highly touted Jeimer Candelario, but as a corner infielder, his path to the Majors was murky at best. Wilson, the owner of a 12.27 K/9 ratio, brings his All-Star stuff back to the NL Central.
Wilson, the owner of a 12.27 K/9 ratio, brings his All-Star stuff back to the NL Central. Whether he closes or sets up in Chicago will be Joe Maddon‘s delightful option, but regardless he gives the Cubs more flexibility with their other lefties Mike Montgomery and Brian Duensing. Neither had a truly defined role, especially Montgomery. Wilson’s inclusion in the bullpen helps them settle into more situational lefty roles. And we all know you can never have too many of those come those mix and match October evenings.
Either way, I look like a fool with the NL Central. I either gave up on the Brewers too early or didn’t get on the Cubs train early enough. From what the Cubs are starting to show though, I’d bet that giving up on Milwaukee is the better choice. Come back in a month or so to see if I’m flip-flopping again. Lord knows there isn’t any chance of dealing with similar drama in the other two divisions.