
But that shall change! The Cubs off to a hot start in 2014 at 14-8. They have the 10th best BA in the NL and are tied at 7th for the most steals in the MLB. The hitting has been fantastic. The pitching has been solid as well with an ERA of 3.53. Now, the problem is though, is if the cubs can keep this up. Here are the keys the the Cubs success.
Nate Schierholtz and Albert Almora
With Schierholtz in the 6 hole he needs to hit well. With one of the most powerful, young, and talented group of guys in the 3, 4, 5 hole, he needs to knock them in. Rizzo last year hit .320 and is bound to improve. They added in powerful Salty and young RF who is already a stud, Soler, is hitting .316, and hit .280 in 390 ABs last year. If Schierholtz doesn't hit, or at least knock them in, Almora will take the job himself. Almora has been playing around 1/3 games and is a top prospect. He will most likely soon takeover Schierholtz making him a 4th OF and a guy who could likely be traded, but then he will need to do the same thing as Schierholtz. These two players could be the keys to the Cubs hitting.
Darwin Barney and Willie Bloomquist
Darwin Barney is batting in the two hole to start the year and needs to produce. With Castro getting on 40% of the time, and Rizzo, Salty, and Soler always hitting, he can't afford to hit into DPs or strikeout. He needs to produce in the two hole. With Castro's speed he can turn a single into a double, and he needs to make it count by getting hits. If he fails, it will be the same for Bloomquist as they would likely switch spots in the batting order.
Alex Yarbrough
Yarbrough, being the only infielder on the bench, HAS TO TO WELL. Yarbrough can play the whole infield, but he isn't a top fielder. He can hit fine, but needs to be able to field when guys get hurt or in extra innings someone is tired.
Chris Heston and Erik Surkamp
Both of these players are big parts of the Cubs. If anyone struggles in that rotation one or both will be taking over. They need to be ready and also need to prepare in the bullpen. It isn't a great 'pen the Cubs have, and with Marmol likely to be traded it doesn't make it any better. With lots of stamina they will be getting lots of playing time and need to produce from the 'pen which will be highly worked.
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