First of all, the gap between posts is inexcusable. I decided to start writing this blog in the first place to give a diary--or journal perspective on what is shaping up to be one of the most memorable Cubs seasons in franchise history. It has been my belief in my life as a Cubs fan (first Cubs memory--1987, 5 year old), that if the Cubs went championshipless, that 2008 would be the year they finally came through (making the bold prediction back in 1993). This can't go on for longer than 100 years, right? So I began taking down notes, formulating opinion, and watching damn near every game this season (not an easy task in the past being that I moved to Minneapolis when I was five) thanks to MLB.tv. No longer were my experiences limited to national telecasts and WGN--sure, I went to games every season...but ticket prices are going through the roof at Wrigley and gas prices are a consistant kick to the bag. What's a guy to do?
Honestly, when I write these entries, I feel they're really only for selfish reasons. I want to document my personal experiences this season...and so far I've done a shitty job. I still believe that this is the year (not a phrase I've used too many seasons before--like most Cubs fans I bought in up until "the inning" in '03). What makes this season different? It really kicked me in the ass back on April 19 in a Saturday afternoon game against Pittsburgh. I sat in the bleachers that day and from the time I got off the train at Wrigley until the time I left the neighborhood, the feeling in the air was different than in years past. It was a sense of calmness, no real sense of impending doom.
Now if you dispise the Cubs or enjoy their repeated failure, you might point to the fact that it was only April and we still have five or six more months of stomach-punches before we start to wince at every seeing-eye single hit by the visitors.
To hell with that.
There is something different about this Cubs team--let's face it, they have struggled in the past week or two, but every team hits a lull every year. This is no need to panic. The team is made up of winners--guys I want to see my team go into battle with come September and October. Every single player on the team seems to understand the opportunity that sits in front of them this season. Even for the guys who already own rings (Cotts, Marquis, Lee, and Edmonds), they have to know that a title with the Cubs would be their legacy in Major League Baseball. This season is being setup for the dream ending. They've had one of those "shake your head in disbelief wins" (against Colorado on May 30).
Management seems to also believe something special is in the works. Look at the moves they've pulled the trigger on. A lot has been made about Sabathia's first four starts in Milwaukee (and rightfully so--I don't want to take anything away from what he's done) but do you realize the numbers that Rich Harden has put up since the trade from Oakland? His only problem has been the team itself backed him up (17.1 IP, 30K, 2 ER--0-1 record). The offense has swooned in his starts--it's a trend they won't continue the rest of the season. How do you feel about a rotation or Zambrano, Dempster, Harden towards the end of the season? Personally, I'm optomistic (assuming we can either fix Demp on the road or strictly hold him to Wrigley starts, but since the Cubs only play 9 of their last 25 games come at home--he'll have to fix the problem).
It's being played out like a Hollywood script with the midseason 4 game Milwaukee series going down right as the teams meet up in the standings. How would the screenwriter have the story climax? October. Wrigley Field. Cubs with a chance to clinch. Kerry Wood on the mound bottom of 9. Redemption.
I promise to do a better job the rest of this season. What sparked this entry? I had a really strange dream last night. I'll tell you about it later this season.
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