CHICAGO CUBS (55-38, 1ST PLACE, NL CENTRAL) BIGGEST SURPRISE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
BIG PICTURE
The Cubs have had their ups and downs, including two five-game losing streaks. However, after spending most of the season trailing the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central, the Cubs have moved into first place by winning 12 of their past 15 games.
BEST PERFORMANCE
Everything has come together for supremely talented infielder Javier Baez, whose fan appeal is likened by manager Joe Maddon to The Beatles. Indeed, Baez is so popular that the fans voted him into the All-Star Game as the NL’s starting second baseman. The 25-yearold infielder leads the league with 72 RBI to go with a .292 batting average, 19 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 91 games.
Long considered a defense-first player, Albert Almora Jr. is batting .319 with a .357 on-base percentage.
Right-hander Yu Darvish was signed to a six-year, $126 million contract in free agency despite his World Series meltdown last fall. He is on the disabled list because of a sore elbow.
TRADE-DEADLINE FORECAST
While the Cubs have been linked to Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado since May, the primary focus is on adding a starting pitcher. Toronto Blue Jays lefty J.A. Happ is a possibility.
KEY SERIES
vs. Milwaukee Brewers Sept. 10-12
John Perrotto