Avoid talking about the Cubs and the W**** S*****… for now
It seems like heartbreak and disappointment have been a constant for Cubs fans since the dinosaurs went extinct.
I know that in my lifetime, I’ve seen only a handful of exciting seasons pancaked in between endless disappointing ones. There was 2003, when Steve Bartman ripped the foul ball from Moises Alou’s glove and my heart out of my chest. There was 2007 and 2008, when a scrappy team banded together just to get swept in the first round of the playoffs two years in a row by teams much worse than them.
This year, however, feels special. It feels different than the past.
But if Cubs fans have learned anything from the curse-heavy, choke-filled, jinx-plagued history, it’s that we can never be too careful. We do not want to risk any of this year’s good fortune by prematurely mentioning the Fall Classic.
So this column is not an argument as to why the Cubs could win the W**** S***** this year. If anything, it’s the opposite. We don’t need to be thinking that big just yet.
Do I think it’s a possibility? Sure. Will I be disappointed if the season doesn’t end in a W**** S***** victory? No way.
The main difference between this Cubs team compared to the other playoff Cubs teams I’ve seen is that this team is built to last. This is only the beginning of their potential. The 2015 Cubs regularly start four rookies: 3B Kris Bryant, SS Addison Russell, LF/C Kyle Schwarber and RF Jorge Soler. The youth of their core, along with elite hitter 1B Anthony Rizzo, ensure that Cubs will most likely maintain this level of production for years to come.
Although the hitting is what has everyone excited, the pitching is the main reason for the Cubs’ success. For the majority of the year, the Cubs were second in team ERA behind the Mets (they’ve recently slipped down to fifth). Jake Arrieta has the most wins in the MLB, and the other four starters have had a quality start almost every game.
This season was considered an “experiment” year for the Cubs among fans and analysts, a year in which the Cubs would test out all the rookies and second year players. If this is the type of success the Cubs are getting from an experiment year, then I can’t wait to see how they’ll be once all the pieces are in place and all the young guys get more experience under their belts. There’s no need to rush winning.
As I’m writing this, the Cubs are 21 games over .500 and ahead in the wild card by 6.5 games. The wild card spot seems to be a lock, but just to be safe, let’s take it game-by-game and be happy with every win. And remember, don’t be the one who places the jinx by mentioning the W**** S*****. There will be plenty of time for that later.
