What we learned about the Cubs from the last three series

Despite the Cubs' three straight losses to the Cardinals, rising catcher Willson Contreras proved he can be a factor for Chicago moving forward.The Chicago Cubs just completed a three-series, nine-game run through three of the current or expected top teams in the National League. Let's review what happened.

At this moment in time, the Nationals could be the toughest test for the Cubs when the playoffs roll around. They can nearly match them on the mound while Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy provide a 1-2 punch on the left side of the plate that the Cubs may not be able to contain. Without a lefty specialist in the bullpen, a reliever like Justin Grimm would have been called upon in the past…