The Chicago Cubs will make the NL playoffs. Saying this as the Cubbies just dropped their 6th game in a row is being optimistic, or am I blinded by the sun in right field in Wrigley?
I know that Zambrano is out and Harden is going to miss a start, and the team forgot how to hit. But this team has to be tested to know it is that good. A week ago, they were clearly the best team in the National League. Analysts said it, announcers said it. The evidence was clear in their wins on national TV. Now, they've run into a tough patch.
Every team runs into one. It's how you get out of them that says a lot about the team's makeup and character. This team is made up of veterans and young players. Some have seen playoff action. Some have not. It does bear noting that since their infamous collapse in the 2003 playoffs, the club has been rebuilt bottom to top. New GM, new manager, new players. And, a week ago, everyone was singing their praises. Now, they've hit a wall.
The thing that cures losing is playing better. And playing better will lead to winning again. How do you play better? One pitch, one at-bat, one put-out at a time. It's hard to break out of a slump. They will do it. There is too much talent on this team. Rich Harden was a gamble and he was paying off. He has pitched extremely well. One has to hope his arm will hold up.
Playing sports at this level is playing with uncertainty and coming up on the winning side, more often than not.
The Cubs will come out of it. I'm optimistic and wearing sunglasses.
