Bryant has been so good. Defensively he seems excellent everywhere. He fielded a sharp grounder and started a really good double play with a really excellent throw. Driving in the 4th run was really nice. I haven't gotten to see tons of action, but he's been a pleasure to see when I've been able to watch.
Winkler has been really good. His stuff just moves so much, it's kinda neat. And having Nance just pop up out of nowhere and suddenly he's in the core bullpen rotation is neat too.
Bullpen is such a meritocracy, and so unpredictable. who'd have guessed that Justin Steele, Keegan Thompson, and Tommy Nance would become key bullpen guys, guys they often go to while winning. Fun.
Not to mention Tepera, who is not much behind Winkler, and Chaffin, who has been less spectacular, but perhaps more consistent than many of the others. And Brothers, who is beginning to become effective with his already excellent stuff.
As has been pointed out, bull pen pitchers are by far the most inconsistent from season to season. But middle relievers and set up men are becoming much more valuable on the trading market. Given the current surplus, and the uncertainty of the Cubs future strategy, the next few weeks might be a great time to see what they could get for a couple of them, perhaps Winkler and Brothers. If they can strengthen their farm system, especially with position players, it might give them a strong reason to start negotiating with Bryant, Rizzo and Baez, to see if they can retain one or two of them, and trade the ones they can't retain.
Regardless of their recent spurt, I still don't regard the Cubs as a legitimate World Series challenger. It is still possible, with a great amount of luck, but luck is not a strategy.
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