MLB playoffs 2017: 5 reasons Cubs will make it

3. Strong pitching staff, from top to bottom

When you look at the Cubs’ pitching staff, you’d probably be inclined to say that the starters haven’t lived up to expectations. That’s partially true seeing as Jon Lester, John Lackey, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and Jose Quintana have the potential to be the best staff in baseball, but two of the five have ERAs over four.

Jon Lester has had a rough year, posting a 4.30 ERA, but he has shown improvement in the month of September with a 3.71 mark. That’s good news for the Cubs down the stretch. Moreover, Lackey also have an elevated ERA at 4.63, but it’s a sparkling 1.93 in September.

Quintana has been solid lately with a 2.41 ERA in September and Hendricks’ is 2.66. Arrieta hasn’t pitched since Sept. 4, but is expected to be back this week for his start vs. the Brewers. That’s bad news for the rest of baseball.

However, it’s not just the starting rotation that’s been red-hot lately, but the bullpen is strong as well. Wade Davis is a heck of a closer with 32 saves and a 2.01 ERA, Pedro Strop is an excellent set-up man, Brian Duensing has been effective and the addition of Justin Wilson hasn’t paid off yet, but it will.

Overall, the Cubs’ team ERA ranks sixth in all of baseball at 4.06.