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5 reasons the Chicago Cubs can win it all in 2015

By Josh Criswell

Aug 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Cubs celebrate their victory at Wrigley Field. The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-0. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; The Cubs celebrate their victory at Wrigley Field. The Cubs defeated the San Francisco Giants 2-0. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 30, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) in the dugout during the fourth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Starlin Castro to the bench is addition by subtraction

Starlin Castro was once thought to be the future of the Chicago Cubs organization. After three All-Star appearances in his first five big league seasons, Castro appeared to have the makings of a star.

That time is long gone, however, and his rebound season in 2014 is now a distant memory.

Castro currently ranks among the worst in baseball in several major categories. His .962 fielding percentage is the fourth worst among all major league shortstops, his .574 OPS (on-base + slugging) is the third worst in MLB and his -1.5 WAR (wins above replacement) is tied for the fourth worst in all of baseball.

Castro is still a good player that will be a valuable asset to the Cubs during a playoff run. But given his poor performance and inability to shake out of the funk he has been in all season, there is no excuse for him to be an everyday fixture in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are 9-1 since manager Joe Madden elected to bench Castro on August 7th and move rookie sensation Addison Russell to his natural position at shortstop. This change could have serious postseason implications, as it eliminates a major defensive liability at one of the most crucial positions on the field.

Next: Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester

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