Like my Uncle Jerry, I’d prefer the Cubs were the chased and not the chaser. At this point I don’t need any more stress because I know there are sure to be some more ups and downs before the NL Central and NL wildcards are settled,
Ultimately, the players have to perform and muddle through some aches and pains in order to reach their potential, but they will need assistance from the front office. After taking 2 of 3 from the Brewers, the Cubs are poised to chase down Milwaukee and eliminate the Reds from the wildcard chase.
Around the league members of front offices (with different titles) will be scrambling to assemble the best rosters as their teams secure spots in the postseason. Every win counts as the difference in seeding still matters. Everyone prefers to have the home field advantage despite underdogs’ successes over the years.
Pitchers who have lost months to injury are returning to provide their teams with needed relief. Some of these guys will pitch to form and others will disappoint-nobody has any idea who will fall into which camp.
With a day off before settling in before a four-game series in Cincinnati, David Ross & Co. have ample time to set up their starting rotation for the final push. Getting 5 innings from Jordan Wicks is a bonus and hopefully they’ll land another gem or two.
Some teams have a knack for shaking out the waiver trees and adding players who will positively impact their teams. We can all assume that every addition will necessarily be positive.
Most if not all of the teams with an eye on the postseason have already had impressive winning streaks. A few of them have also suffered a few losing streaks as well. Trying to maximize the former and minimize the latter is the obvious key. That’s why acquiring players that have experience is so important. Some guys perform at their best when it matters most.
I’m sure fans and media around the league are having the same discussions that Cub fans are having right now. We all believe that every player belongs on our team-much like we believe that every free agent wants to come to our fair city.
A couple people have likened the Reds surprising season to the Cubs in 2015 and that they’ve arrived a year ahead of time, might be making the same mistake Cub-doubters made that season. Young players don’t know any different and they don’t follow predictions. They’ve already proven themselves capable of big wins, and winning streaks against better teams. If the Cubs can stomp them out this weekend, it will go a long way towards future success.
