Levine: Selfless Cubs Are Already 10 Games Over .500

By Bruce Levine--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Cubs continue to do what it takes, however big or small, to win a ballgames. On Tuesday, they moved 10 games over .500 with a 4-3 victory against the Brewers at Wrigley Field that was keyed by shortstop Addison Russell's two-run triple in the sixth inning on a chilly night.

The Cubs (15-5) have the highest winning percentage in the majors and are playing .750 baseball. They've accomplished this feat by being strong in every facet of the game, and manager Joe Maddon has taught his tightly knit team to put winning ahead of personal goals.

"Last year it took us a while to get going," Maddon said, referring to his 97-win team that at times started four rookies. "A lot of different parts didn't arrive early for us. It's not lost on me ten games (being 15-5 already). I do think in increments of five. Now you want to stay there and move it to the next five."

As an example of this selfless mentality, Maddon pulled starter Kyle Hendicks after 69 pitches and five innings of one-run ball Tuesday. The reasoning? He was simply trying to get the first run on the board after being down 1-0 a run on a bad weather night that wasn't conducive for scoring.

The plan worked, as a sacrifice fly from Dexter Fowler tied the game 1-1. Thus began four innings of bullpen duty from the relief corps.

Hendricks wasn't tired, and he pitched well, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out four.

"We have guys behind me," Hendricks said. "My thoughts are to control what I can control. I try to make pitches when I am out there. I get through what I get through, and then Joe goes out and makes those decisions."

"Joe is all about the team. That is all he has ever been about. We have known that since Day 1. The more we have gotten to know him, the more we buy in. I am definitely in on it. It's all about the team this year. We have a lot bigger goals than just game to game. It will be a long year."

The Cubs didn't get to 10 games over .500 until Aug. 2 of last year, in their 104th game.

Russell's one of what appears to be 10 position players who can step up and deliver a big hit for this year's Cubs. His big triple Tuesday came with two outs and plated Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead.

"It's a lot of fun," Russell said. "I think the worst thing you can do is strike out in that situation. You just give it your all, and the outcome is what it is. You just try to embrace it a little bit."

The Cubs are off to their best start in 109 years. The 1907 team opened 16-4.

It's worth noting the Cubs are now 14-0 when playing error-less ball this year.

"It's awesome the way we are playing," Russell said. "I think we are the front-runners right now. We are embracing it. We just want to go out there, have some fun and play ball. It's been pretty cool, the different types of wins we have had. Coming back in games and scoring runs in the late innings, walking a lot are the different facets that help us win games."

The Cubs may need to bring a catcher up from Triple-A Iowa just too be prepared if Miguel Montero isn't available moving forward. He was scratched from the starting lineup Tuesday with back stiffness. Montero said after the game he wasn't sure if he could go Wednesday.

Tim Federowicz is hitting .303 at Iowa. He previously has caught in 89 big league games.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.