Cubs sweep
While watching the Cubs and White Sox last night on ESPN's Sunday Night baseball, it really dawned on me how good the Cubs are this year. They are clearly a better team than last year. Probablly the main reason is manager Lou Pinella's attitude toward his team. Even though his team got swept in the first round of the playoffs last year, Pinella didn't tighten the screws and demand a better season this year from his squad. He just said that this is a different team, in a different season, that last year doesn't mean anything anymore. With that laid back attitude, it seems to take the pressure off the players to improve upon last years results. That could be a big reason why the Cubbies have the best record in baseball. Too bad that couldn't happen in New York, where the Mets had made it to game 7 in the NLCS in 2006, only to collapse and not even make it to the playoffs last year. The expectations were high, and the Mets didn't deliver. Maybe that is the difference between the Cubs management and the Mets management. Baseball fever is at an all-time high in Chicago, with the Cubs cross-town White Sox enjoying a great season thus far. They are in first place in the AL Central with a game and a half lead over the Twins. It was refreshing to see baseball fever in Chicago. The last time the Cubs won the series was 1908, yet watching the fans at Wrigley these days, you would think they are coming off a world championship season.
That's the difference. ESPN commentator Joe Morgan made a comment during last nights game how well the Cubs have been playing. He mentioned Pinella's leadership and went on to say that although they are playing very well, the rest of the National league is also very weak. I am still trying to figure out what that means. Isn't that how teams go onto the playoffs and then the World Series? The Cubs were hot coming right out of the gate this year, while the rest of the league stayed behind. THAT is a sign of a good team. It just proves that this years Chicago Cubs just might be the real deal. It is too early to get too excited about this team, after all, the season isn't even at the half way point. Plus their track record isn't very good. But the fans are right behind their team, facing the heartbreaking losses with dignity and humility. Something New York fans should try and duplicate.
I know you didn't ask but my prediction is the Cubs and Red Sox in the 2008 World Series.
The Cubs in seven games.1908 is way too long. It is time. And if there is any manager that can lead a team like the Cubs to a world championship, it is Lou Pinella. The Chicago Cubs are by far the best story going in the 2008 baseball campaign. Catch the fever!
