“You're never as good as you think you are when you win, and you're never as bad as you feel when you lose.”

―Joe Paterno

The Leadoff Man

Ah, the sweet (and sometimes sour) taste of baseball season is back, folks! Our beloved Cubs are off to a bit of a rocky start, sitting at 0-2 to start the season. Between Kyle Hendricks looking “off” on the mound, Ben Brown making his big league debut under less-than-ideal circumstances, and Luke Little giving us a glimpse of hope, there’s a whole lot to chew on.

No need to hit the panic button just yet, because let's be real—no team has ever clinched a playoff spot or kissed it goodbye in March, right? So, come on, grab a seat, and let's dive into the scoop on our Cubs

Hendricks' Hurdle

Is Time Running Out for Kyle Hendricks on the Mound?

In last night’s outing against the Rangers, Kyle Hendricks displayed a concerning lack of sharpness which has me questioning if he’s passed his prime. Since 2020, whispers of "borrowed time" have grown louder, and last night's performance may be a stark indication that we're witnessing the twilight of Hendricks' tenure as a Cubs stalwart. With an ERA that's been creeping upward, the question isn't just about Hendricks' place in the rotation—it's about the inevitable transition the Cubs must face. As fans, it’s tough watching a player who's been such a key piece of our team's fabric struggle. I think I’m a little too down after 2 games.

Don't miss this visually stunning video of a home run by Dansby Swanson from the Field View Level!

Big League Ben Brown

Ben Brown's Debut: A Glimpse of the Future or Rushed Debut?

Ben Brown's debut on the major league mound should have been momentous, but it felt more like a footnote. He pitched the 7th and 8th innings against the Rangers, showing flashes of talent but also facing hard hits. He gave up 6 runs

Many, including myself, would've preferred to see him start a more meaningful game, like at home against the Rockies. This debut leaves us pondering what could have been a more impactful introduction to the big leagues for Brown. He threw the Top 5 fastest pitches of the game.

I made a draft of a podcast on the call-up of Ben Brown. I had a plan to have him start against Colorado on Tuesday/Wednesday but again, they aren’t listening to me yet…

Click below to listen to the 5-minute Ben Brown episode.

Luke Little's Looming Potential

Luke Little Shines Amidst Early Season Shadows

In contrast to the broader narrative of struggle and adjustment, Luke Little emerged as a beacon of hope in the Cubs' bullpen. The towering left-hander's performance was one of the few highlights, showcasing the kind of raw talent and potential that could brighten the Cubs' future. Despite the team's young arms facing inevitable growing pains, Little’s outing hinted at the talent necessary to not only survive but thrive in the majors.

As we move towards late April and early May, expect to see more outings that validate the talent of Cubs' young pitchers, with Little likely leading the charge. His poise and effectiveness, even in brief appearances, signal a promising horizon for a team in the throes of transition.

The Closer

We’ve had our fair share of ups and downs already, and it's only the beginning. But isn’t that the beauty of baseball? It's a long season ahead, and there's plenty of time for our Cubs to turn things around. So, keep your spirits up, your beer cold, and your faith in the Cubs unwavering. Let’s ride this rollercoaster together and see where it takes us. And hey, if you've got thoughts, predictions, or just want to vent, Cubs Superfans is your spot.

Subscribe, share, and let's keep the conversation going. After all, what's baseball without a little banter among friends? Here's to better days ahead.

Go Cubs Go!