Levine: Theo Epstein Not Taking Cubs' Hot Start For Granted

By Bruce Levine --

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The hot start by the Cubs hasn't changed the outlook or approach of the front office led by president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer. This magical start to 2016 has the Cubs at 24-6, the best start to a season since the Detroit Tigers started the 1984 campaign 35-5.

The Cubs have averaged more than six runs per game, the best mark in baseball. They also haven't lost back-to-back games this season. The list of incredible numbers on this hot start goes on and on.

As it does, Epstein's keeping an even-keel look at the success on the field.

"We are thrilled by the start we have gotten, but we are not blinded by it," Epstein said before Tuesday's game against the Padres. "We are in a stretch right now where winning seems far easier than it really is. We know there will be a stretch, and maybe a long stretch, where winning one game will seem virtually impossible. We are not blinded by it. Right now we are in a tree, and we want to stay up on top of it as long as we can. At some point we will come down. We still have vulnerable areas that need to get better. We have challenges and more adversity to come."

Epstein sounded a bit superstitious about this record-setting pace the Cubs have started on.

"We want to stay locked in the way we are right now," Epstein said. "We know this game is very humbling. We are aware the time is coming where there will be great challenges. You almost look forward to it. That is when you find out what you are made of."

There's no doubt the Cubs have built a team to go deep into the playoffs. Pitching is always the main concern for any organization, and that's especially true for Epstein's group, which is top heavy with veteran starters in the big league rotation and paper thin for starters in the minor leagues.

Epstein and Hoyer did an excellent job of adding veteran bullpen guys who have starting experience. This should insulate the Cubs' staff if and when a starter goes down or becomes less productive.

Adam Warren would be the first out of the bullpen to get stretched out. He was the Yankees' most consistent rotation man at the start of 2015, being called upon when injuries took Masahiro Tanaka and CC Sabathia out of the early going.

"Most of our starting depth is built into our bullpen," Epstein said. "If we were to suffer an injury to a starter right now, there are a couple of strong candidates to move into the rotation. We are well-positioned to back-fill in the bullpen. There are some relievers throwing the ball really well at Triple-A."

The Cubs are doing their due diligence in looking for more pitching and left-handed hitting in the trade market, sources confirmed. Meanwhile, the growing confidence of his team has been something for Epstein and his baseball people to be proud of.

"This is not really baseball reality," Epstein said of the hot start. "Baseball reality tells you it's really hard to win a big league game. That is why we celebrate so much. I am proud of my guys. We have played extremely well in all phases of the game. That is really rare when that happens. They have been really focused, really locked in."

Epstein said he sensed his team was aware from the first game of the season in Anaheim that it could be a special group.

"Nine out of 10 games we have showed up with this tremendous preparation and tremendous focus," he said. "A tremendous sense of intensity and selfless team baseball. All that has led to a lot of wins. I am impressed by this and trust our guys, but we know there are challenging times ahead."

Maybe so, maybe not. An eight-game division lead anytime of the year should make for few sleepless nights for the Cubs president.

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