While I have marveled at additions by the, MLB’s, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, I must credit the Chicago Cubs organization for the “less is more” approach, by their top executive, Theo Epstein. In other words they didn’t give up future talent to grab a veteran and take on salary. The Cubs have stuck with the calm relaxed hand of Manager Joe Maddon and his talented youngsters, mixed with an experienced pitching Ace like Jon Lester.
After out-slugging their crosstown rival’s the Chicago White Sox 6-5 yesterday, the winning streak now stands at 8 in a row. Since July 27th the Cubs are 15-2. The late Harry Carey would say Holy Cow!
The Cubbies are going against the historic script. Usually the Cubs wilt during the dog days of summer and blow an opportunity at post-season play, such as: 1969, 1970, 1973, 1978, 1985, 1988, 1990, 2001, and 2004. Once in a while the Cubs wait until the playoffs to break hearts, like the deciding game 5 of the 1984 NLCS or, 2003’s NLCS, or 2008 and 2009 when they got bounced by the LA Dodgers.. However, every now and then the Chicago Cubs make a fun surprising run, like in 1989, or 1998.
On August 8th of 2015, www.betvega.com, updated their odds for the Chicago Cubs to win the World Series to 20:1.
The MLB could use a dosage of the Chicago Cubs making a post-season run. Could you imagine the cubs just taking on their bitter and uber-successful rival of all rivals, the Saint Louis Cardinals for the pennant and opportunity to enter the world series? We are talking EPIC ratings on a Yankees-Red Sox level.
Tonight, Jake Arietta, takes the hill for the North Side Chicago Cubs against the South Side Chicago White Sox, with a 17 and 2/3’s inning scoreless streak. He will be backed by an offense of youthful talents who showcase both lumber and wheels (Power and speed): 1B Anthony Rizzo, 23 Hrs, 67 RBI, 15 steals and a .296 batting average, 3B Kris Bryant, has slugged 16 hrs, drove in 66 runs, and swiped bases, are among their leaders.
Currently the Cubs are in the lead for the 2nd wildcard spot. Major League Baseball’s 2015 pennant race is something to see for sure.
Mike Jacobs says
Hey, Theo built the Sox who won a World Series after 86 years with a “bunch of idiots”. If he can do the same for the Cubs, he’ll go down in history. Then maybe the Bengals would hire him!