As September approaches, the Cubs are still staying in the playoff picture. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic try to make sense of the offensive explosion in Pittsburgh and this recent surge that has pushed the club above .500. There are also newsy items to discuss regarding Drew Smyly and Jorge López, two key pieces of a bullpen that will be tested down the stretch. Can the Cubs defy the odds and finish strong, the way Craig Counsell’s teams typically did in Milwaukee?

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The rookie known as “PCA” is becoming a dynamic player, someone who can deliver a highlight-reel moment at any given time. Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic discuss what this development means for the future and how the center fielder has combined style and substance.

Miguel Amaya is another young player who has shown significant growth in the second half of a disappointing season. Should the Cubs trust that development or look for an upgrade at catcher?

Plus an update on first-round pick Cam Smith, who's tearing it up in the minors.

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Sahadev Sharma and Patrick Mooney of The Athletic respond to listener questions about how the Cubs will approach Juan Soto and the free-agent market this winter and what might be different this time. Anthony Santander, for example, would be a good name to file away. There’s also an in-depth discussion about how to fix the bullpen and whether the Cubs are going to follow the same process and hope for different results.

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