Written by Mark Gonzalez at Chicago Tribune.com
Remember Quintin Berry?
The Cubs signed Berry as a free agent last August shortly before the Sept. 1 deadline for postseason eligibility.
Berry played in eight games, batted only once and was used primarily as a pinch runner.
So Berry turned out to be far from an essential addition. But with the Cubs all but assured of securing the best record in the National League this season, there are plenty of reasons to make sure they have covered all their bases in preparing for the playoffs. Here’s a look:
Pitching: Two scouts who watched the Cubs in the last two weeks said the Cubs look a bit vulnerable in forming a firm bridge to closer Aroldis Chapman. But they acknowledge that injured setup men Hector Rondon and Pedro Strop will return before the playoffs.
The Cubs have played the entire season without a true long reliever, although Trevor Cahill has shown signs that he could fill that role should a starter get knocked out or get injured early in the playoffs.
One-time Diamondbacks opening-day starter Josh Collmenter is pitching for Triple-A Iowa as insurance.
John Lackey should return from the 15-day disabled list with ample time to get stretched out. Lackey, 37, cannot be dismissed from consideration for the playoff rotation, simply because of his experience and his effectiveness before his shoulder injury.
Offense: Manager Joe Maddon hasn’t tinkered much with the lineup since Dexter Fowler’s return from the DL last month and moving Addison Russell to the fifth spot in the second half.
Maddon’s biggest issue may be finding enough at-bats to keep Jorge Soler sharp in hopes he can be as productive as he was last postseason, when hit batted .474 with three home runs in seven games.
Defense: The woes of Kyle Schwarber and Soler in the outfield were glaring last October, though far from the primary reason the Mets swept the Cubs in the National League Championship Series.
Based on his recent performance and glowing reviews, rookie Willson Contreras has all but seized the starting catching duties in games left-hander Jon Lester doesn’t start.
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