Cubs Need to Consider Promoting Red-Hot Ian Happ From Triple-A

The Chicago Cubs may sit atop the NL Central standings at 50-44, but most would agree that they've been underwhelming throughout the first three months of the season. Being six games above .500, though not a bad thing, is nothing to brag about when you look at all the star power on their roster.

Their current position is, in many ways, the product of the inconsistent seasons of the Brewers and Cardinals. The bottom line is that Joe Maddon's club could use a spark, and they've got one sitting right in their own farm system.

Fresh off a two-home run performance in Triple-A Monday night, it could be time to recall Ian Happ. Why? Well, check out the following graphic and try to convince us otherwise.

If that doesn't warrant a promotion, we really don't know what does. His scorching hot streak actually extends to the very beginning of July. For the month, the University of Cincinnati product is batting .354 with a .473 wOBA and 4 homers.

More importantly, however, Happ only has a 24% strikeout rate and 17% walk rate to his name over this hot stretch. Cubs fans will be the first to tell you that the youngster goes down on strikes far too often and struggles to find ways (other than base knocks) to get on the base path.

What more does the young outfielder need to do?

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Chicago should stop second-guessing themselves and immediately pull the trigger.