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5 Things Learned From Chicago Cubs During First Quarter Of 2015 MLB Season

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Most people around the league felt the Cubs would be improved this season, but probably didn’t see them being this good this quickly. Now people in Chicago are thinking playoffs. Along the way in the first quarter of the season, here are five things learned about the new age Cubs.

5. Team Still Needs Pitching Depth

Team Still Needs Pitching Depth Getty Images
While the Cubs 1-3 starters of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Jason Hammel are very solid, they could use some help in the back end. Kyle Hendricks has been inconsistent this season and Travis Wood just got demoted to the bullpen. Tsuyoshi Wada is making his season debut on Wednesday night, so the team is hoping he can provide a spark to the back end.

While the Cubs 1-3 starters of Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Jason Hammel are very solid, they could use some help in the back end. Kyle Hendricks has been inconsistent this season and Travis Wood just got demoted to the bullpen. Tsuyoshi Wada is making his season debut on Wednesday night, so the team is hoping he can provide a spark to the back end.

4. A Shortstop Will be Traded by the Deadline

A Shortstop Will be Traded by the Deadline Getty Images
Last week, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer pretty much told reporters he will be trading a shortstop for a pitcher to the Mets, and it's just a matter of time. That means Starlin Castro or Javier Baez could be gone by July and it also means the Cubs could be acquiring a pitcher like Jacob deGrom.

Last week, Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer pretty much told reporters he will be trading a shortstop for a pitcher to the Mets, and it's just a matter of time. That means Starlin Castro or Javier Baez could be gone by July and it also means the Cubs could be acquiring a pitcher like Jacob deGrom.

3. Anthony Rizzo is an MVP Candidate

Anthony Rizzo is an MVP Candidate Getty Images
If last year was Anthony Rizzo's coming out party, this is his staying out party year. He's leading the league in on-base percentage and is hitting for power and average. Take Bryce Harper out of the equation in the NL this season, and Rizzo is among the front-runners for the award.

If last year was Anthony Rizzo's coming out party, this is his staying out party year. He's leading the league in on-base percentage and is hitting for power and average. Take Bryce Harper out of the equation in the NL this season, and Rizzo is among the front-runners for the award.

2. Kris Bryant is as Good as Advertised

Kris Bryant is as Good as Advertised USA Today Sports
Every rookie has growing pains when they enter the league, but Kris Bryant has had very few. Even while he's slumped, he shows a patient, mature approach at the plate, which is unmatched by players his age. He also crushes the ball consistently. It surely seems like Bryant is headed for stardom.

Every rookie has growing pains when they enter the league, but Kris Bryant has had very few. Even while he's slumped, he shows a patient, mature approach at the plate, which is unmatched by players his age. He also crushes the ball consistently. It surely seems like Bryant is headed for stardom.

1. This Team Can Reach the Postseason in 2015

This Team Can Reach the Postseason in 2015 Getty Images
It seemed like a longshot when the season began, but this team is talented and poised enough to make a run at the playoffs in 2015. They have the right mix of young and veteran players and a winning attitude, which starts with manager Joe Maddon. Not only can this team be playing in October, they can compete once they get there.

It seemed like a longshot when the season began, but this team is talented and poised enough to make a run at the playoffs in 2015. They have the right mix of young and veteran players and a winning attitude, which starts with manager Joe Maddon. Not only can this team be playing in October, they can compete once they get there.

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