Rich, that’s the nicest thing I’vs ever heard you say directed toward Cubs fans.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:33 am:
I watched the game last night. I am past being disappointed and thankfully was not upset. I was burned by this team many times before. I’m sorry but I’m past tired of Cubbie cuteness, the “loveable loser” label and wait ’til next year. 106 $%*&^!$ years!
Next year anything can happen, even with a team loaded with young talent. That’s why I believe the time to win is now. I wish the Cubs can recover from being down 0-3, but as it’s posted here in the tweet, it’s never been done. It’s been done in hockey, two-three times in the last few years (Bruins and LA Kings).
I wish the Cubs well and love it when Chicago prospers with winning teams, but I just don’t feel the pain this morning.
I’m sure Theo mentioned a similiar point to the team after last night. Despite getting flat out beat over the last few games, Cubs fans cannot be disappointed in this season. If the organization seriously thought it had a shot to win the WS, then they should have acquired another top end starting pitcher prior to the trade deadline. The organization viewed this years postseason run as a crapshoot. The Cubs overachieved by getting here, and anyone else that wants to pin the curse/lovable loser/choke label on this NLCS performance hasn’t watched the series. Cubs never had the pitching to win the WS, and can’t rely on it’s young batting order to carry them through. No way the Cubs advance, and I’m ok with that, this was house money.
Remember the other sox team.
Boston came back against the other New York in ALCS in 2004 and then beat my beloved Cardinals four straight.
Royals looked prepared to win it all.
Never give up there is always next year ask the Royals.
= I wish the Cubs can recover from being down 0-3, but as it’s posted here in the tweet, it’s never been done. It’s been done in hockey, two-three times in the last few years (Bruins and LA Kings).=
Grandson, maybe I’m misreading your comment, but the Red Sox came down 0-3 in the ‘04 ALCS. I agree that the Mets will advance, but it has been done in MLB.
Not only was Boston down 0 games to 3 in the series, but they were down 4-3 with (I believe) 2 outs left in the bottom of the 9th…literally 2 outs away from being eliminated. They scored one to tie it and then 2-run HR in the bottom of the 12th to win it.
They won game 5 in the bottom of the 14th inning, then game 6 by two runs, and destroyed the Yankees 10-3 in game 7.
Until the last out…there’s still a chance. Not a huge one, but a chance, nonetheless.
Yes, the BoSox came back after being down 0-3. That’s why the number of years in the quote is 86 - the number of years of Boston’s World Series drought at that time.
The Cubs are ahead of schedule this year and the youngsters are showing their age. They will remember and unlike past years they will be back with a vengeance and hopefully some fresh, young, accurate arms..
===As far as coming back, the Boston Red Sox managed it in 2004===
LOL
That’s the baseball equivalent of losing political candidates who cite the “Dewey Beats Truman” headline.
- Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:55 am:
Next year is next year and the Cubs don’t have a very good track record of making the playoffs multiple years in a row. Injury’s are inevitable in this sport so let’s see how they handle one or two next year. That said, I still think the Cubs will win tonight, it’s so very hard to beat a team all 8 times you face them in one season. Go Redbirds.
=Never give up there is always next year ask the Royals.=
When Theo was wooing Lester, he said the Cubs were the next Royals. Granted, KC got farther in their breakout year, but it was a fair comparison.
The young core of future cornerstones are versatile, young, high character, and tough. Young positional players also have a significantly lower injury rate. Other than Soler, I don’t see many injury prone players among the young core. This team will be competitive for a while.
It would be funny and ironic if the Cubs are swept out of the NLCS tonight–on “Back to the Future II” day (Oct. 21, 2015–the day where the movie “predicted” the Cubs would win the WS).
The Cubs have looked drained after the Pirates intensity and beating the rival Cards. Think Arrieta too is just completely drained after such a long Summer and Fall. The Mets are just playing fresher and better, mentally. Youth is great, but mentally, you can see the errors and over-pressing is hindering the Cubs more than anything.
The Cubs, they don’t look defeated or lazy, they look tired mentally and drained emotionally.
That’s why I knew whoever got thru the Pirates/Cards/Cubs cabal would run out of gas and not go to the World Series. Any of those Ball Clubs has that possibility to be drained, so I never thought it would be a “Cubs Only” thing.
I just had the Dodgers not the Mets getting this far.
To the Royals, wow. what the Royals are doing to the Jays is called dismantling and picking at the bones for fun. When you get to a “non-pitcher” throwing from the bump, that’s impressive; do it in the ALCS, that’s historical. The Royals have proved they are the best in the AL and doubters like me should “be quiet”.
To the Cubs,
I haven’t commented on these Posts because baseball is my passion, and the Cubs are my love. They’ve been playing with House Money, but I do despise two things not done well; politics and baseball, and the Cubs are so gassed mentally and emotionally, my head knew 2016 is the time to get angry, and 2015 is the time for the Cubs to learn.
This isn’t a Ball Club in the Chicago Cubs with 5-6 aging stars trying to make a run to the World Series, one or two retiring and these are their last games. They are designed to go on a 6, 7, 8 year run, 3-4 playoff appearances, a couple World Series appearances. Tomorrow isn’t “here”. This year was special like that birthday gift you get as a kid that is too old for you, and you need to grow to have that gift meet its full expectations.
It’s not “Fools’ Gold” it’s the first pan of gold found, when you thought you’d hace to mine deeper to get rewarded.
Trade Castro, get another arm, squire a middle inning arm, start thinking about lolling for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.
Stop being Cubs Fans, Cubs Fans. We have a solid foundation, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, ask Prior and Wood, even ask Moises Alou, but my Passion Bucket is overflowing for this franchise, so I’m not upset, I’m waiting for pitchers and catchers to report for 2016, and hoping that tonight doesn’t start that countdown for real.
Other teams that finally broke long World Series droughts — the 1980 Phillies, the ‘04 Red Sox and the ‘05 White Sox come to mind — typically were persistent contenders who won their divisions but fell short of winning the pennant for at least several years (sometimes a decade or more) prior to their big win. They didn’t come completely out of nowhere; it took time to forge them into winners and when they finally won it all, it wasn’t a fluke.
If the Cubs are now where the Phillies were in the mid-70s or where the Red Sox were around the turn of the millennium — i.e. several years away from the WS — that’s not a bad place to be.
Red Sox did it once — 33 other teams down 0-3 did not.
Murphy must have paid a midnight visit to the crossroads out in LA.
In 130 games this year, 14 homers, a career high; six in tne last five playoff games vs Kershaw, Greinke, Lester, Arietta, now Hendricks.
Everyone should have a weak like that some time in their life.
- Colin O'Scopey - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:07 am:
The Cubs needed to win one, just one game of the first three played to remain viable. Now all that can be done is to wait for the train to roll over them.
As the resident Red Sox fanatic, I can attest the following:
1. I cried - a lot - when Jorge Posada hit the bloop single off of Pedro Martinez in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. Cubs fans, take heed that even a sweep this year can reap big benefits for the future.
2. I was extremely dejected after Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS. That was the disaster at Fenway when the Yankees put up 19 runs. I was actually at Busch Stadium that night for Game 2 of the Astros-Cards NLCS Game 2 and I had to be reminded by the future Mrs. Sleep that I needed to keep my emotions and anger in check.
3. I had written off the Sox in Game 4. After all, who was coming in to close out the game?! The greatest - Mo Rivera. Dave Roberts and Big Papi caught lightning in a bottle. It was literally a twist of fate. If the stolen base had never happened and if Big Papi had not split the infield with his single, the greatest comeback in MLB history would have NEVER happened.
@LPT - Correct. Truly believe the Cubs (and their fans) over-celebrated their Division win over the Cardinals. They will now get what being in the playoffs are about.
Bad night for the Northsiders-even the national anthem got screwed up. Those Cubs fans proclaiming ===6, 7, 8 year run, 3-4 playoff appearances, a couple World Series appearances=== might not want to get too cocky. Baseball is a fickle game.
You can say they’re young and will have many more chances, etc.,but you really don’t know that. Especially in baseball, you have to treat every year as if it’s you’re only shot. The Cubs had a lot of things go right for them this year, especially on the injury front with key players. They gambled on basically two starting pitchers the entire year, and both stayed healthy. Next year and the year after, that may not be the case. Neither Arrieta or Lester has youth on their side.
Team Sleep: I knew there must be some reason you always make sense. I finally switched allegiance from the BoSox to the ChiSox when Pudge got traded to them.
Colin - great retort to Springfield. Check out my comment and response to Willy @9:27. Both topics have their place, and when we are talking about “local” teams - why not!
=You can say they’re young and will have many more chances, etc.,but you really don’t know that. Especially in baseball, you have to treat every year as if it’s you’re only shot. The Cubs had a lot of things go right for them this year, especially on the injury front with key players. They gambled on basically two starting pitchers the entire year, and both stayed healthy. Next year and the year after, that may not be the case. Neither Arrieta or Lester has youth on their side.=
I’m pretty confident that the Organization will sign 1 of the 4 “ace” free agent pitchers (Price, Greinke, Cueto, or Zimmerman) to address this issue. My bet is on Price given his relationship with Joe. Going all in prematurely have been detrimental for many organizations. These Cubs will contend more often than not over the next 5-6 years. Nothing in baseball is guaranteed, but those who understand the game recognize that the organization has been built the right way and it is very likely they will contend for years to come.
OW—”Trade Castro, get another arm, squire a middle inning arm, start thinking about lolling for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.”
I pretty much agree with your assessment of the franchise and share your passion of baseball and the Cubs in particular. However, instead of “lolling” for a backup catcher I would try to trade Montero along with or in addition to Castro. Montero has been a bit of a disappointment in my opinion and Schwarber clearly doesn’t belong in the outfield. Keep Ross for another year or two as backup/personal catcher for Lester. I would think a package including Castro and Montero could garner a quality arm in return. And I look for the Cubs to be aggressive again on the free agent market where pitching is concerned.
Cubs were very fortunate this year staying away from injuries. The way a player like Rizzo dives over the plate, that is a broken bone waiting to happen. And, other guys will get hurt.
Will Arrieta duplicate this year—doubtful. Pitchers will better learn how to handle Schwarber(hint: curves down and in.)
The fat lady is all warmed up, will you hear her tonight or tomorrow night?
Although I’ve given up hope for this season, I do have one suggestion (in jest) for the organization if they want to increase their chances to advance. They need to bring in the same magician who performed for them earlier in the season to perform for the team before tonight’s game. Cubs were on a 5 game losing streak and looked lost, then Madden brought in the magician and they went on a winning streak that started with a 4 game sweep of the Mets in New York.
“Trade Castro, get another arm, aquire a middle inning arm, start thinking about looking for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.”
That makes a lil more sense.
To your comment;
===I would try to trade Montero along with or in addition to Castro.===
I’d have to see what actually was the return on that package, meaning, yeah, looking at the 40-man roster, I have no “hold” on either?
===Schwarber clearly doesn’t belong in the outfield.===
He’s the toughest fit for the “starting 8″, no doubt, but that young infield, who do you sit?
===Keep Ross for another year or two as backup/personal catcher for Lester.===
One more. Bring up a backstop or try to get a AA catcher in the Castro, et al trade, if you only can get a middle-inning arm?
===I would think a package including Castro and Montero could garner a quality arm in return. ===
Need a partner, there are a few, but Castro’s aloof base running in the playoffs again raises a red flag. Get the middle relief arm for him, sign Price as your starter?
comparing today to the 04 ALCS is flawed. Unless your simply looking at a stat on paper. The 04 NYY starting pitching completely ran out of gas by game 7. “Moose” Mussina and Lieber emerged as Torre’s only reliable pitchers. The only option for game 7 was a train wreck, Kevin Brown or Javi Vazquez. I’m not convinced either team is faced with that
- My FiNgErS HuRt - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 12:32 pm:
The Cubs will get swept. Accept it, and there is always better luck next year, and the year after, and the year after…and the year after…
“Trade Castro, get another arm, aquire a middle inning arm, start thinking about looking for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.”
That makes a lil more sense.===
I didn’t intend to correct your typo. I honestly thought “lolling” was slang you were using. lol
===He’s the toughest fit for the “starting 8″, no doubt, but that young infield, who do you sit?===
My thinking is if you can trade Montero, Schwarber becomes the primary catcher. And, as I stated, keep Ross as backup. If healthy, I’d like to see La Stella start at 3rd and move Bryant to LF.
===Need a partner, there are a few, but Castro’s aloof base running in the playoffs again raises a red flag. Get the middle relief arm for him, sign Price as your starter?===
I think Castro’s trade value has increased a bit with his performance the last couple of months but I would agree that a quality middle relief arm and maybe a mid-level prospect is all the Cubs could expect to get in return. Assuming Castro is moved Baez can be the starting second baseman. Or put Baez at 3rd and La Stella at 2nd. They’re interchangeable. I would LOVE to see the Cubs land Price in free agency but Theo is loathe to commit big money long-term on pitchers. With Lester’s contract I don’t know if the Cubs could stomach another similar deal. Plus, Arrieta will be due a big raise. I think they will trade for or sign a talented but cheaper starter and see where they’re at around the trading deadline next year. Of course, Theo has yet to call me for input so there’s that. Thank YOU sir for the back and forth. Best regards!
Ci15′ Schwarber definitely belongs in left or at first. He’s not a catcher, defensively, and that job is way too demanding, anyway. It would drain him and hurt his hitting.
Guys like Molina and Posey, who can do both, well, are rare.
===Ci15′ Schwarber definitely belongs in left or at first. He’s not a catcher, defensively, and that job is way too demanding, anyway. It would drain him and hurt his hitting.===
Since 1st base is occupied for the next 10-15 yrs. that leaves left. He’s been adequate there I guess and he’s a good athlete so theoretically he’ll get better. I agree catching takes a toll on a player’s ability to hit. And, well, Kingman did patrol LF for years….
Cubs fans entered bonus territory two months ago. I
Iiked the fact Theo made only minor tweaks rather than giving up key pieces at the trading deadlines. This series exposes what every Cubs fan knows is a weakness: starting pitching depth and the bullpen.
The Mets are coming together at the right time, and are a pretty damn good team. Plus Murphy is morphing into Reggie Jackson.
No shame in this season if we get swept or not… We still won the postseason divisional tournament!
- thunderspirit - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 2:38 pm:
== We still won the postseason divisional tournament! ==
I can’t speak for you, but I wasn’t on the team.
And honestly, the Cubs didn’t really win anything. They did advance in the playoffs, yes. I still love my team, but to me it doesn’t really matter if you can’t at least fly a pennant.
As a Sox fan (and by that I mean the first team in MLB to use that name, the White Sox) I simply want the strange litany of excuses and generations of tales of weird woe to stop re the Cubs. there is no curse, not one or two or three. there is just baseball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. throw the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball. win. or lose. but stop the surrounding nonsense. win or lose, Chicago should not be defined by such silly circus bits as we are subjected to with each mention of the Cubs and their years of waiting. press wasting space with old photos of cats. The Sox have a long history of banishment (Black Sox), a year of almost (1967, perhaps the greatest season of close baseball ever, a double header Sox loss that took away my youthful hope), the loss of McCuddy’s and the threat that meant they would not win, the title that should have been (strike season), players who lost out the chance to win (Pudge). but the Sox are not defined by any of that. nor do the fans make a habit of talking about it endlessly as, for example, like the first caller on WGN last night who immediately said, “we are cursed.” enough. win or go home.
Mets have out played the Cubs is all categories, offense, defense, pitching and managing.
Jake had a great year (MVP?). Dexter exceeded his abilities. The rest of team made progress. Best case, today, the league has at least three other teams that clearly have more talent and a lot more game experience.
I always thought the “W” flag stood for “Wait until next year!”
Just kidding.
I enjoy seeing you all enjoy some October baseball. We just have to accept the fact that we have the Cardinals and you have the Blackhawks. We have the Blues and you all have the Cubs.
- Give Me A Break - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:28 am:
I think Cubs fans believe they have the Mets right where they want em.
- Good Luck! - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:31 am:
Rich, that’s the nicest thing I’vs ever heard you say directed toward Cubs fans.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:33 am:
I watched the game last night. I am past being disappointed and thankfully was not upset. I was burned by this team many times before. I’m sorry but I’m past tired of Cubbie cuteness, the “loveable loser” label and wait ’til next year. 106 $%*&^!$ years!
Next year anything can happen, even with a team loaded with young talent. That’s why I believe the time to win is now. I wish the Cubs can recover from being down 0-3, but as it’s posted here in the tweet, it’s never been done. It’s been done in hockey, two-three times in the last few years (Bruins and LA Kings).
I wish the Cubs well and love it when Chicago prospers with winning teams, but I just don’t feel the pain this morning.
- Davos Seaworth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:34 am:
I’m sure Theo mentioned a similiar point to the team after last night. Despite getting flat out beat over the last few games, Cubs fans cannot be disappointed in this season. If the organization seriously thought it had a shot to win the WS, then they should have acquired another top end starting pitcher prior to the trade deadline. The organization viewed this years postseason run as a crapshoot. The Cubs overachieved by getting here, and anyone else that wants to pin the curse/lovable loser/choke label on this NLCS performance hasn’t watched the series. Cubs never had the pitching to win the WS, and can’t rely on it’s young batting order to carry them through. No way the Cubs advance, and I’m ok with that, this was house money.
- cards fan - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:35 am:
Remember the other sox team.
Boston came back against the other New York in ALCS in 2004 and then beat my beloved Cardinals four straight.
Royals looked prepared to win it all.
Never give up there is always next year ask the Royals.
- illini - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:36 am:
Correct me if I am mistaken, but wasn’t Boston down by 3 games some years ago and ended up winning the LCS and the World Series?
- Davos Seaworth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:37 am:
= I wish the Cubs can recover from being down 0-3, but as it’s posted here in the tweet, it’s never been done. It’s been done in hockey, two-three times in the last few years (Bruins and LA Kings).=
Grandson, maybe I’m misreading your comment, but the Red Sox came down 0-3 in the ‘04 ALCS. I agree that the Mets will advance, but it has been done in MLB.
- Davos Seaworth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:37 am:
*came back after being down
- RNUG - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:40 am:
Just when you start to believe the Cubs can actually do it … they blow it. Way too many mistakes last night; Mets deserved to win that game.
- RNUG - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:40 am:
As far as coming back, the Boston Red Sox managed it in 2004 … (wife and son are Red Sox fans so I know that team about as good as the Cubs).
- SheeshHecukaCupajava - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:41 am:
Despite myself, I’ve been feeling bad for the White Sox all season long.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:42 am:
0-3? T’is but a flesh wound.
- thunderspirit - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:42 am:
Pitching > hitting.
Every time.
I’ll admit, this one hurts.
- Grandson of Man - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:43 am:
“the Red Sox came down 0-3 in the ‘04 ALCS”
Sorry, my bad. I didn’t pay attention to the rest of the tweet.
I wish the Cubs well and hope the nearly-impossible can happen. That would be one of the greatest professional sports stories in American history.
- Scott - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:44 am:
Not only was Boston down 0 games to 3 in the series, but they were down 4-3 with (I believe) 2 outs left in the bottom of the 9th…literally 2 outs away from being eliminated. They scored one to tie it and then 2-run HR in the bottom of the 12th to win it.
They won game 5 in the bottom of the 14th inning, then game 6 by two runs, and destroyed the Yankees 10-3 in game 7.
Until the last out…there’s still a chance. Not a huge one, but a chance, nonetheless.
- Century Club - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:46 am:
Yes, the BoSox came back after being down 0-3. That’s why the number of years in the quote is 86 - the number of years of Boston’s World Series drought at that time.
- Mouthy - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:47 am:
The Cubs are ahead of schedule this year and the youngsters are showing their age. They will remember and unlike past years they will be back with a vengeance and hopefully some fresh, young, accurate arms..
- LizPhairTax - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:51 am:
Closing out the Cardinals in 4 and the subsequent layoff proved disadvantageous.
Mets have kept playing and rolling.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:52 am:
===As far as coming back, the Boston Red Sox managed it in 2004===
LOL
That’s the baseball equivalent of losing political candidates who cite the “Dewey Beats Truman” headline.
- Gruntled University Employee - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:55 am:
Next year is next year and the Cubs don’t have a very good track record of making the playoffs multiple years in a row. Injury’s are inevitable in this sport so let’s see how they handle one or two next year. That said, I still think the Cubs will win tonight, it’s so very hard to beat a team all 8 times you face them in one season. Go Redbirds.
- Pepe Silvio - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:57 am:
=Never give up there is always next year ask the Royals.=
When Theo was wooing Lester, he said the Cubs were the next Royals. Granted, KC got farther in their breakout year, but it was a fair comparison.
The young core of future cornerstones are versatile, young, high character, and tough. Young positional players also have a significantly lower injury rate. Other than Soler, I don’t see many injury prone players among the young core. This team will be competitive for a while.
- x ace - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 8:59 am:
what Yogi said
- Leatherneck - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:01 am:
It would be funny and ironic if the Cubs are swept out of the NLCS tonight–on “Back to the Future II” day (Oct. 21, 2015–the day where the movie “predicted” the Cubs would win the WS).
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:02 am:
The Cubs have looked drained after the Pirates intensity and beating the rival Cards. Think Arrieta too is just completely drained after such a long Summer and Fall. The Mets are just playing fresher and better, mentally. Youth is great, but mentally, you can see the errors and over-pressing is hindering the Cubs more than anything.
The Cubs, they don’t look defeated or lazy, they look tired mentally and drained emotionally.
That’s why I knew whoever got thru the Pirates/Cards/Cubs cabal would run out of gas and not go to the World Series. Any of those Ball Clubs has that possibility to be drained, so I never thought it would be a “Cubs Only” thing.
I just had the Dodgers not the Mets getting this far.
To the Royals, wow. what the Royals are doing to the Jays is called dismantling and picking at the bones for fun. When you get to a “non-pitcher” throwing from the bump, that’s impressive; do it in the ALCS, that’s historical. The Royals have proved they are the best in the AL and doubters like me should “be quiet”.
To the Cubs,
I haven’t commented on these Posts because baseball is my passion, and the Cubs are my love. They’ve been playing with House Money, but I do despise two things not done well; politics and baseball, and the Cubs are so gassed mentally and emotionally, my head knew 2016 is the time to get angry, and 2015 is the time for the Cubs to learn.
This isn’t a Ball Club in the Chicago Cubs with 5-6 aging stars trying to make a run to the World Series, one or two retiring and these are their last games. They are designed to go on a 6, 7, 8 year run, 3-4 playoff appearances, a couple World Series appearances. Tomorrow isn’t “here”. This year was special like that birthday gift you get as a kid that is too old for you, and you need to grow to have that gift meet its full expectations.
It’s not “Fools’ Gold” it’s the first pan of gold found, when you thought you’d hace to mine deeper to get rewarded.
Trade Castro, get another arm, squire a middle inning arm, start thinking about lolling for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.
Stop being Cubs Fans, Cubs Fans. We have a solid foundation, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, ask Prior and Wood, even ask Moises Alou, but my Passion Bucket is overflowing for this franchise, so I’m not upset, I’m waiting for pitchers and catchers to report for 2016, and hoping that tonight doesn’t start that countdown for real.
- Secret Square - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:03 am:
Other teams that finally broke long World Series droughts — the 1980 Phillies, the ‘04 Red Sox and the ‘05 White Sox come to mind — typically were persistent contenders who won their divisions but fell short of winning the pennant for at least several years (sometimes a decade or more) prior to their big win. They didn’t come completely out of nowhere; it took time to forge them into winners and when they finally won it all, it wasn’t a fluke.
If the Cubs are now where the Phillies were in the mid-70s or where the Red Sox were around the turn of the millennium — i.e. several years away from the WS — that’s not a bad place to be.
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:04 am:
Red Sox did it once — 33 other teams down 0-3 did not.
Murphy must have paid a midnight visit to the crossroads out in LA.
In 130 games this year, 14 homers, a career high; six in tne last five playoff games vs Kershaw, Greinke, Lester, Arietta, now Hendricks.
Everyone should have a weak like that some time in their life.
- Colin O'Scopey - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:07 am:
The Cubs needed to win one, just one game of the first three played to remain viable. Now all that can be done is to wait for the train to roll over them.
#WeBereave
- Team Sleep - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:09 am:
As the resident Red Sox fanatic, I can attest the following:
1. I cried - a lot - when Jorge Posada hit the bloop single off of Pedro Martinez in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS. Cubs fans, take heed that even a sweep this year can reap big benefits for the future.
2. I was extremely dejected after Game 3 of the 2004 ALCS. That was the disaster at Fenway when the Yankees put up 19 runs. I was actually at Busch Stadium that night for Game 2 of the Astros-Cards NLCS Game 2 and I had to be reminded by the future Mrs. Sleep that I needed to keep my emotions and anger in check.
3. I had written off the Sox in Game 4. After all, who was coming in to close out the game?! The greatest - Mo Rivera. Dave Roberts and Big Papi caught lightning in a bottle. It was literally a twist of fate. If the stolen base had never happened and if Big Papi had not split the infield with his single, the greatest comeback in MLB history would have NEVER happened.
- Bogey Golfer - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:10 am:
@LPT - Correct. Truly believe the Cubs (and their fans) over-celebrated their Division win over the Cardinals. They will now get what being in the playoffs are about.
- eeriter - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:18 am:
Bad night for the Northsiders-even the national anthem got screwed up. Those Cubs fans proclaiming ===6, 7, 8 year run, 3-4 playoff appearances, a couple World Series appearances=== might not want to get too cocky. Baseball is a fickle game.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:20 am:
Sigh…
- illini - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:27 am:
== but I do despise two things not done well; politics and baseball ==
Well stated, Willy
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:27 am:
- eeriter -
Your comment… is exactly why I shied away during the playoffs.
You failed to include;
===We have a solid foundation, and tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, ask Prior and Wood, even ask Moises Alou===
Please, if you’re going to characterize my thoughts as “cocky”, actually read all my thoughts.
Ugh.
- Gooner - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:45 am:
For some of us, it was a great day.
Arsenal 2, Bayern Munich 0.
You know, now that baseball and American football are effectively over in Illinois, it is time to back a winner.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 9:59 am:
You can say they’re young and will have many more chances, etc.,but you really don’t know that. Especially in baseball, you have to treat every year as if it’s you’re only shot. The Cubs had a lot of things go right for them this year, especially on the injury front with key players. They gambled on basically two starting pitchers the entire year, and both stayed healthy. Next year and the year after, that may not be the case. Neither Arrieta or Lester has youth on their side.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 10:23 am:
This is the first time in our lifetimes, that “next year” really could work for the Cubs.
Need one more strong starter, for sure.
- Mookie Wilson - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 10:36 am:
Lots of talk here about the Red Sox. Let’s remember which team stopped the Sox cold when they were one out away from the world championship in 1986.
The Mets know how to break hearts when it comes to fans of teams with epic losing streaks.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 10:47 am:
Team Sleep: I knew there must be some reason you always make sense. I finally switched allegiance from the BoSox to the ChiSox when Pudge got traded to them.
- Oh, Springfield! - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 10:48 am:
Reading about baseball on Capitol Fax is like going to a fantasy football site to discuss politics.
- Colin O'Scopey - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:22 am:
=Reading about baseball on Capitol Fax is like going to a fantasy football site to discuss politics.=
Yes, because people who like to discuss Illinois politics could NEVER like baseball…
- Skeptic - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:24 am:
Single + Sacrifice + Stolen Base + Wild Pitch == “Oh noooooo…”
- illini - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:40 am:
Colin - great retort to Springfield. Check out my comment and response to Willy @9:27. Both topics have their place, and when we are talking about “local” teams - why not!
- Davos Seaworth - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:43 am:
=You can say they’re young and will have many more chances, etc.,but you really don’t know that. Especially in baseball, you have to treat every year as if it’s you’re only shot. The Cubs had a lot of things go right for them this year, especially on the injury front with key players. They gambled on basically two starting pitchers the entire year, and both stayed healthy. Next year and the year after, that may not be the case. Neither Arrieta or Lester has youth on their side.=
I’m pretty confident that the Organization will sign 1 of the 4 “ace” free agent pitchers (Price, Greinke, Cueto, or Zimmerman) to address this issue. My bet is on Price given his relationship with Joe. Going all in prematurely have been detrimental for many organizations. These Cubs will contend more often than not over the next 5-6 years. Nothing in baseball is guaranteed, but those who understand the game recognize that the organization has been built the right way and it is very likely they will contend for years to come.
- walker - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:49 am:
==Murphy must have paid a midnight visit to the crossroads out in LA.==
Great line. Exactly how Murphy’s caught fire.
(But in MS?)
- Anon - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:58 am:
=Reading about baseball on Capitol Fax is like going to a fantasy football site to discuss politics.=
== Yes, because people who like to discuss Illinois politics could NEVER like baseball… ==
And people who play fantasy football would never complain about the state government lol.
- Cubs in '15 - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:58 am:
OW—”Trade Castro, get another arm, squire a middle inning arm, start thinking about lolling for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.”
I pretty much agree with your assessment of the franchise and share your passion of baseball and the Cubs in particular. However, instead of “lolling” for a backup catcher I would try to trade Montero along with or in addition to Castro. Montero has been a bit of a disappointment in my opinion and Schwarber clearly doesn’t belong in the outfield. Keep Ross for another year or two as backup/personal catcher for Lester. I would think a package including Castro and Montero could garner a quality arm in return. And I look for the Cubs to be aggressive again on the free agent market where pitching is concerned.
- illini - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 11:59 am:
And, let’s not forget Theo Epstein was the GM of the Boston Red Sox when they beat my Cards - can history repeat itself?
- anon - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 12:03 pm:
Cubs were very fortunate this year staying away from injuries. The way a player like Rizzo dives over the plate, that is a broken bone waiting to happen. And, other guys will get hurt.
Will Arrieta duplicate this year—doubtful. Pitchers will better learn how to handle Schwarber(hint: curves down and in.)
The fat lady is all warmed up, will you hear her tonight or tomorrow night?
- Pepe Silvio - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 12:07 pm:
Although I’ve given up hope for this season, I do have one suggestion (in jest) for the organization if they want to increase their chances to advance. They need to bring in the same magician who performed for them earlier in the season to perform for the team before tonight’s game. Cubs were on a 5 game losing streak and looked lost, then Madden brought in the magician and they went on a winning streak that started with a 4 game sweep of the Mets in New York.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 12:14 pm:
- Cubs in ‘15 -,
My apologies;
“Trade Castro, get another arm, aquire a middle inning arm, start thinking about looking for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.”
That makes a lil more sense.
To your comment;
===I would try to trade Montero along with or in addition to Castro.===
I’d have to see what actually was the return on that package, meaning, yeah, looking at the 40-man roster, I have no “hold” on either?
===Schwarber clearly doesn’t belong in the outfield.===
He’s the toughest fit for the “starting 8″, no doubt, but that young infield, who do you sit?
===Keep Ross for another year or two as backup/personal catcher for Lester.===
One more. Bring up a backstop or try to get a AA catcher in the Castro, et al trade, if you only can get a middle-inning arm?
===I would think a package including Castro and Montero could garner a quality arm in return. ===
Need a partner, there are a few, but Castro’s aloof base running in the playoffs again raises a red flag. Get the middle relief arm for him, sign Price as your starter?
Thanks for the back and forth, and Go Cubs.
OW
- Bambino - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 12:26 pm:
comparing today to the 04 ALCS is flawed. Unless your simply looking at a stat on paper. The 04 NYY starting pitching completely ran out of gas by game 7. “Moose” Mussina and Lieber emerged as Torre’s only reliable pitchers. The only option for game 7 was a train wreck, Kevin Brown or Javi Vazquez. I’m not convinced either team is faced with that
- My FiNgErS HuRt - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 12:32 pm:
The Cubs will get swept. Accept it, and there is always better luck next year, and the year after, and the year after…and the year after…
- Stones - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 1:11 pm:
Mets have shown so far to be superior to the Cubs pure and simple. Cubs have had a great year and should be around for several years to come.
How ironic, the Cubs beat the Cards and the fans finally start to believe it’s “their year” only to fall flat in the NLCS. Very Cublike.
- Keyser Soze - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 1:26 pm:
No other team…………except Boston in “04″.
- Cubs in '15 - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 1:37 pm:
-OW-,
===My apologies;
“Trade Castro, get another arm, aquire a middle inning arm, start thinking about looking for a backup catcher, and make the Clubhouse chemistry work.”
That makes a lil more sense.===
I didn’t intend to correct your typo. I honestly thought “lolling” was slang you were using. lol
===He’s the toughest fit for the “starting 8″, no doubt, but that young infield, who do you sit?===
My thinking is if you can trade Montero, Schwarber becomes the primary catcher. And, as I stated, keep Ross as backup. If healthy, I’d like to see La Stella start at 3rd and move Bryant to LF.
===Need a partner, there are a few, but Castro’s aloof base running in the playoffs again raises a red flag. Get the middle relief arm for him, sign Price as your starter?===
I think Castro’s trade value has increased a bit with his performance the last couple of months but I would agree that a quality middle relief arm and maybe a mid-level prospect is all the Cubs could expect to get in return. Assuming Castro is moved Baez can be the starting second baseman. Or put Baez at 3rd and La Stella at 2nd. They’re interchangeable. I would LOVE to see the Cubs land Price in free agency but Theo is loathe to commit big money long-term on pitchers. With Lester’s contract I don’t know if the Cubs could stomach another similar deal. Plus, Arrieta will be due a big raise. I think they will trade for or sign a talented but cheaper starter and see where they’re at around the trading deadline next year. Of course, Theo has yet to call me for input so there’s that. Thank YOU sir for the back and forth. Best regards!
- Wordslinger - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 2:04 pm:
Ci15′ Schwarber definitely belongs in left or at first. He’s not a catcher, defensively, and that job is way too demanding, anyway. It would drain him and hurt his hitting.
Guys like Molina and Posey, who can do both, well, are rare.
He’s there to mash.
- Cubs in '15 - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 2:18 pm:
===Ci15′ Schwarber definitely belongs in left or at first. He’s not a catcher, defensively, and that job is way too demanding, anyway. It would drain him and hurt his hitting.===
Since 1st base is occupied for the next 10-15 yrs. that leaves left. He’s been adequate there I guess and he’s a good athlete so theoretically he’ll get better. I agree catching takes a toll on a player’s ability to hit. And, well, Kingman did patrol LF for years….
- Vote Quimby! - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 2:21 pm:
Cubs fans entered bonus territory two months ago. I
Iiked the fact Theo made only minor tweaks rather than giving up key pieces at the trading deadlines. This series exposes what every Cubs fan knows is a weakness: starting pitching depth and the bullpen.
The Mets are coming together at the right time, and are a pretty damn good team. Plus Murphy is morphing into Reggie Jackson.
No shame in this season if we get swept or not… We still won the postseason divisional tournament!
- thunderspirit - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 2:38 pm:
== We still won the postseason divisional tournament! ==
I can’t speak for you, but I wasn’t on the team.
And honestly, the Cubs didn’t really win anything. They did advance in the playoffs, yes. I still love my team, but to me it doesn’t really matter if you can’t at least fly a pennant.
But anyway.
- Amalia - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 3:27 pm:
As a Sox fan (and by that I mean the first team in MLB to use that name, the White Sox) I simply want the strange litany of excuses and generations of tales of weird woe to stop re the Cubs. there is no curse, not one or two or three. there is just baseball. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes it rains. throw the ball, hit the ball, catch the ball. win. or lose. but stop the surrounding nonsense. win or lose, Chicago should not be defined by such silly circus bits as we are subjected to with each mention of the Cubs and their years of waiting. press wasting space with old photos of cats. The Sox have a long history of banishment (Black Sox), a year of almost (1967, perhaps the greatest season of close baseball ever, a double header Sox loss that took away my youthful hope), the loss of McCuddy’s and the threat that meant they would not win, the title that should have been (strike season), players who lost out the chance to win (Pudge). but the Sox are not defined by any of that. nor do the fans make a habit of talking about it endlessly as, for example, like the first caller on WGN last night who immediately said, “we are cursed.” enough. win or go home.
- Cannon649 - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 3:47 pm:
Mets have out played the Cubs is all categories, offense, defense, pitching and managing.
Jake had a great year (MVP?). Dexter exceeded his abilities. The rest of team made progress. Best case, today, the league has at least three other teams that clearly have more talent and a lot more game experience.
- Oswego Willy - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 4:05 pm:
- Cubs in ‘15 -,
I think between you and - Wordslinger -, you both have things well in hand.
Cheers,
OW
- Blago's Hare - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 4:09 pm:
I always thought the “W” flag stood for “Wait until next year!”
Just kidding.
I enjoy seeing you all enjoy some October baseball. We just have to accept the fact that we have the Cardinals and you have the Blackhawks. We have the Blues and you all have the Cubs.
- illini - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 4:16 pm:
Blago - don’t forget about the Rams ( soon to leave St. Louis )and Chicago has the Bears and the Bulls!
- Dutchman - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 10:01 pm:
Past statistics, be damned. History is not written until you write it. Go Cubs!!!
- A Citizen - Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 10:14 pm:
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww !