Following the Chicago Cubs' 3-1 NLDS series win vs. the St. Louis Cardinals, what five takeaways can be had for them moving ahead in the 2015 MLB Playoffs?
1. Chicago's High-Powered Offense Can Carry Them in the Postseason
Heading into the series against the Cardinals, it was obvious that the Cubs had the better lineup and much more power at the plate. They showed that in the series in a big way, especially in Game 3 when they launched six home runs. The long ball was used heavily in Game 4 last night as well and there is no question that their power bats can help carry them in the postseason against high caliber teams.
2. The Cubs Can Beat the Best Teams in the League
St. Louis was a better team during the regular season and many picked them over the Cubs to start the series due to their experience. Chicago was the underdog, but that is right where they have been all season long and they haven't faltered yet. Next series up they will likely face another quality team in either the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers, but they should be considered a much more serious contender now than they were before the series.
3. The Bullpen May Very Well Be Just Fine
One of the bigger issues coming into the postseason was whether or not the bullpen would be able to hold up when Joe Maddon needed it to. Obviously they have been able to do just that and there are plenty of reasons for the Cubs to be confident in the bullpen moving forward. Maddon and the Cubs took players that other teams didn't want and seem to have built a very consistent group of relievers.
4. Chicago Doesn't Rely on One Player to Win
Jake Arrieta didn't play very well in his one start against the St. Louis Cardinals, but his team was able to rally around him and get the job done. Neither Anthony Rizzo or Kris Bryant played all that well, but the offense found ways to get the job done. The Cubs are more than a team that relies on their stars and they have the depth to pick up those stars when they aren't able to play up to their expectations.
5. Joe Maddon's Team Is Obviously a World Series Contender
While the Cubs had an excellent regular season, they still weren't seriously considered to be a championship contender this season. That all changed when they won three straight games to knock out the Cardinals. Maddon and the Cubs are now definitely considered a World Series contender and the future couldn't look brighter for them.
All of that being said, their next series is going to be extremely entertaining and even more nerve-wracking than this past one. Beating the Cardinals was a big enough win in and of itself, but the Cubs aren't finished with their mission yet. Chicago still has another series to get to where they want to be, but they have a tough road ahead of them.
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