The Chicago Cubs did the unthinkable…completing a series sweep after completely tearing apart the roster. Chicago went into Minnesota this week and swept the Twins in a brief two-game series, and they actually looked good doing it.
It has been a rough few months for the beloved Cubbies, but give David Ross some credit for getting his team to play well this week. This comes on the heels of another embarrassing series against the Chicago White Sox, but this was a nice way to bounce back.
This two-game sweep isn’t going to get the Cubs back in the playoff race by any means, but it was nice to see the team have some success. The Twins are another team that ripped the roster apart at the Trade Deadline, and this was the perfect chance for the Cubs to take advantage of an opportunity.
Now the Cubs will face the Pittsburgh Pirates, and the team can continue building up some momentum towards the end of the season. It’s unclear what members of the current team will still be around next year, but David Ross is getting a chance to take a close look at some younger or inexperienced players.
Schwindel is Swinging It
Patrick Wisdom has provided most of the offense for the Chicago Cubs over the last few weeks, but Frank Schwindel is starting to get in on the action as well. Schwindel was a name that no one knew until July, but he is starting to carve out a nice path on this Cubs team.
The first baseman provided all of the offense in the 3-0 win on Wednesday, blasting a three-run homer. This was the third straight game in which Schwindel has hit a home run, and he is making a case to stick around next season and beyond.
Cubs fans will always be looking to compare Schwindel to Anthony Rizzo, but that is simply unfair to do. Schwindel has been a solid performer for the Cubs since taking over the everyday job, and he will be a fixture in that lineup next season if he continues to provide some power.
Rookies Handle Series Finale
The series finale on Wednesday night was a glimpse into the future of what the Cubs’ starting rotation could look like for the next 4-5 seasons. A lack of starting pitching has killed the Cubs all season long, but two pitchers held the Twins to just two hits on Wednesday.
Justin Steele started the game, and he had the best outing of his young career. Steele was only able to last five innings due to a high pitch count, but he allowed just one hit when he was on the mound.
Adbert Alzolay came in and took care of the rest of the game, giving up just one hit over four innings of work. Alzolay was fooling hitters all night long and showing off his electric stuff that has the Cubs staff so excited.
If the Cubs are going to avoid a complete rebuild in 2022 both Steele and Alzolay are going to have to be great in the starting rotation.
