Cubs' most important bounceback candidate sounds more confident than ever

David Banks-Imagn ImagesEvery few outings, Ben Brown turns in an appearance where you understand the hype and excitement. He mows down hitters and looks like a legitimate big-league rotation piece.

Then, he gets knocked around his next three or four outngs and you're left scratching your head. Nobody is questioning the potential - but he's yet to live up to it, at least on a consistent basis. But he's doing a good job of rewriting the narrative this spring, thanks to a blossoming confidence and a new-look arsenal.

Brown sounds like a totally different pitcher - and that makes sense. He's been downright dominant in Cactus League action, piling up 15 strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings of work,…