- Kohl Stewart's debut and new cutter - Cubs bullpen dominance continues - Cubs exceeding projections

- David Bote's separated shoulder - Cubs bullpen good despite scoreless streak snapped - Filling out infield with so many injuries

- Javy 'El Mago' Báez's insane base-running - Bullpen continues to be clutch - Injuries continue to add up

- Cubs impressive bullpen cast - Tommy Nance's insane cutter - Javy Báez's huge contact rate improvement - Nico Hoerner is...perfect

- Jon Lester and Kyle Schwarber return to Wrigley Field - Bullpen carrying Cubs to winning record - Joc Pederson and Ian Happ surging

- Kyle Hendricks' near complete game - Trevor Williams' struggles - Ian Happ and Nico Hoerner's return to lineup

- Adbert Alzolay's 15 slider whiffs - David Bote's bad offensive numbers - Nico Hoerner's return

- Cubs higher-than-usual contact - Outfield suffers multiple injuries - Starting pitching trending up

- Keegan Thompson's first career start - Kyle Hendricks' rebounding 7-inning complete game - Javy Báez's recent plate discipline improvements - Jake Marisnick and Matt Duffy's value as depth

- Kris Bryant's MVP-caliber start to season - Nico Hoerner's defensive versatility - The volatile lineup and pitching staff

- Adbert Alzolay's top-ranked slider - Kyle Hendricks' shaky mechanics - Ian Happ's "benching"

- Ian Happ's leadoff role - Jason Heyward's plate discipline compared to Ian Happ's - Recapping Adbert Alzolay and Jake Arrieta's starts

- Kris Bryant's adjustments against high fastballs - Trevor Williams' increased curve usage - David Ross' bullpen management

- WIllson Contreras' batting posture change - Kris Bryant's plate discipline numbers best of career - David Bote's recent success against high fastballs - Trevor Williams' increased curve usage

- Javier Báez's volatile plate approach - Adbert Alzolay's impressive slider - Overall offensive approach struggles

- Passive plate approaches from most of the lineup - Effect of upcoming tough schedule on Jed Hoyer's plans

- Trevor Williams dazzles in Cubs debut - Adbert Alzolay showcases strong fastball - Kyle Hendricks fastball returns in 2nd start - Cubs offense can't get base hits

- Jake Arrieta's curveball in season debut - Kyle Hendricks' rough opener - Craig Kimbrel's lock-down saves - Kris Bryant's hot start - Quality at-bats from lineup

Breaking down the projections and expectations for the '21 Cubs season

Anthony Rizzo's extension talks stall and will not direct agent to negotiate during season

Topics: - Nico Hoerner optioned to make room for David Bote's presumable starting role - Adbert Alzolay wins 5th rotation spot and Alec Mills to the bullpen - Cubs bullpen shapes up with Dillon Maples locking the last spot

- Potential Cubs lineups - Jason Heyward and Ian Happ's discipline and leadoff potential - Trevor Williams' impressive outings and refined slider - Craig Kimbrel's encouraging velocity