06-29-2009, 01:55 PM
I think the reason this year's version of the Cubs hurts more than usual is the expectation level.
Previous to this year, 2004 was about the worst season I recall enduring, and for the same reasons. Last year was so damn pleasant; we were good, and we won a lot. The playoffs were tough, but playoffs are a weird thing.
One thing about this year, though: I haven't given up hope. I'm continually astounded that we're still so close to the top of the division. I mean, practically everything has gone wrong, and we're still in the race.
As you all know, I am the<i> last</i> guy to sound like a pollyanna, but we do have some things to look forward to in the 2nd half: Aramis, our best player by far, will rejoin the team. It would be almost impossible for Soriano and Bradley, two excellent baseball players, to play as horrifically in the 2nd half as they did in the first. Lee and Fuk, two guys I had 100% written off, have played surprisingly decently, and it's possible that it will continue. The SP hasn't really clicked, but it's actually been OK; we have some very good pitchers who are kind of underperforming, and it would not shock me to see them perform better in the 2nd half.
I see us as at least being <i>in</i> the race this year. Considering all the 70-win seasons I've suffered through as a Cub fan, to me, it's not bad. Not good. But Ok.
Previous to this year, 2004 was about the worst season I recall enduring, and for the same reasons. Last year was so damn pleasant; we were good, and we won a lot. The playoffs were tough, but playoffs are a weird thing.
One thing about this year, though: I haven't given up hope. I'm continually astounded that we're still so close to the top of the division. I mean, practically everything has gone wrong, and we're still in the race.
As you all know, I am the<i> last</i> guy to sound like a pollyanna, but we do have some things to look forward to in the 2nd half: Aramis, our best player by far, will rejoin the team. It would be almost impossible for Soriano and Bradley, two excellent baseball players, to play as horrifically in the 2nd half as they did in the first. Lee and Fuk, two guys I had 100% written off, have played surprisingly decently, and it's possible that it will continue. The SP hasn't really clicked, but it's actually been OK; we have some very good pitchers who are kind of underperforming, and it would not shock me to see them perform better in the 2nd half.
I see us as at least being <i>in</i> the race this year. Considering all the 70-win seasons I've suffered through as a Cub fan, to me, it's not bad. Not good. But Ok.
There's nothing better than to realize that the good things about youth don't end with youth itself. It's a matter of realizing that life can be renewed every day you get out of bed without baggage. It's tough to get there, but it's better than the dark thoughts. -Lance