The Cubs are the hottest team in the National League and the chips are falling into place for another run at the World Series. Big bat Kyle Schwarber has finally found his stroke at the plate. His season average has climbed above the Mendoza Line, and he is hitting .282/.333/.615 in September with four home runs and five RBI. The Cubs lineup is so much better and functional when Schwarber is hitting well.
There is reason to be worried about starter Jon Lester entering the playoffs. After an ugly start on Wednesday night, his ERA in September is up to 5.91 while opponents are hitting .321/.412/.536. Jake Arrieta is expected back from a hamstring injury before the postseason kicks off, but the Cubs need Lester to step up and serve as their number two in October.
Trea Turner has now played 162 games over the past two years and his numbers are quite ridiculous. The shortstop has a .309/.351/.504 line with 211 hits, 124 runs, 36 doubles, 14 triples, 23 homers, 83 RBI and 75 stolen bases. Had he put those numbers up in a single season, Turner would have won the NL MVP. The only reason he missed out on the Rookie of the Year last year was Dusty Bakerās refusal to trust a rookie at shortstop.
Turner is a special talent, and his presence makes the Nationals the most dangerous team in the National League even without Bryce Harper a lock to play in the postseason. Harperās return does seem destined to occur before the end of the regular season which is a great sign for Washington. This definitely feels like the year they make it past the NLDS for the first time.