The Chicago Cubs had a bullpen meltdown early last year and the team never quite climbed out of the hole that made for them.

In the wake of a series loss on the road to the Mets, the Cubs welcomed the return home to their rowdy Wrigley Field audience ...

Even so, Craig Counsell's club opens a new week in first place in the National League Central, with a red-hot St. Louis ...

The Cubs have needed some grinder-like performances from players who haven't been getting as much attention — until now.