There will come a time when the Chicago Cubs are mathematically eliminated from post-season play. That time hasn't yet arrived but as the Cubs lose to teams with losing records such as Washington, NY Mets this past Sunday, and trailing Houston 5-2 in the 6th inning tonight, that time is coming soon enough.
Seeing the Cubs, who had a great winning record last season, plus 30 games, thrash around like a wounded animal--is painful enough. For a die-hard Cubs' fan, you don't want to see the team lose, but put them out of their misery.
The season is over. The Cubs weren't good enough, and they are making the Cardinals look like the Cubs of last summer. Records are mirage, except losing ones. Now Chicago will try to finish the year above .500 and that looks like a struggle. Players aren't meshing this year according to Lou Piniella, Cubs Mananger. He said the team chemistry was better last year in published reports. The team also had Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood. Milton Bradley, who came over with power from the left side, has been a huge disappointment. He was hot versus the Mets. Batting like .450 in 3 games. That might have raised his average. But when the Cubs needed big hits earlier this season, Bradley was ice cold. Recently he has made statements that haven't endeared him to home town fans. Well, the season is almost over and you can go home soon.
The younger players Jake Fox, Koyie Hill, and James Baker have demonstrated promise. Fox hit a home run with the bags full against the Mets. That was a nice moment. If only the Cubs had more like that one.
Injuries have hurt this team. Alex Ramirez, one of the most underrated power hitters in the league, missed 50 games, and was battling a sore shoulder until recently. He simply hits when men are on base. Alphonso Soriano who has blown hot and cold like Wrigley's weather, muffed a few balls in left field then made up for it when he banged a 3 run blast the other day. His hit was the difference in the game. He can be a difference maker for the Cubs but he has had an off year.
Ted Lilly got hurt and was on the DL for a while. Soto was on it too. He's still not 100%. But injuries occur on teams without a core center. And, this season, the Cubs lacked that. They look mis-directed and out of focus on the road and at home, until this homestand, they play decently. Now, they're struggling in wind-swept Wrigley. It's a chilly place when the temps drop and they after Labor Day. Hot Dog wrappers blow in the wind. Years ago, you could hear the echoes at the near empty ballpark. Maybe the fans will be there, but the season is sadly coming to a close.
