Is it possible the Cubs are simply waiting for a challenge?

CrankyShoulder

Look, I'm at the bottom of the barrel for excuses, but im wondering if it's possible that the Cubs are simply waiting for a challenge.

Think about it. Any team in the NL would kill for the schedule the Cubs had so far. It's been heavily stacked with games versus weak teams. Pirates, Astros, Mariners Oakland, Phoenix etc. And even the "good" teams they've faced like the Reds or WhiteSox aren't really considered that good. The Cubs getting humiliated by rookie pitchers and their failures versus teams they SHOULD beat is nothing new, but this year it just seems like all the bad stuff that happens to the Cubs is happening early rather than spread through the season. So maybe theres a chance that facing rivals like the Brewers or Cards, or once good teams like Phillies,and Dodgers show up then the Cubs will step up their game and rise up to the challenge?

IceBox13 · All-Star Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 671

Don't hold your breath.

AndCounting · Seasoned Veteran Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 391

It's possible. Wasn't their last really good series against the Dodgers? The crazy thing is that throughout this horrendous season, it seems that every game is a game the Cubs should win. There's a difference between confidence (We're gonna win) and complacency (We should win).

You could say the Cubs have been working out all year with 2-lb. dumbbells, so maybe we shouldn't be surprised they're not stronger.

It's almost like the Cubs are the Wolverines and every game is against Appalachian State.

I don't know if I buy the theory, but it's interesting. The problem is, really good teams might inspire the Cubs to play better, but they'd probably still lose just as much.
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When the snow melts away, do the Cubbies still play in that ivy-covered burial ground?

Roger · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 9:56 am Post subject:

You're either a team who wins 2 out of 3 consistantly or lose 2 out of 3 consistantly. It's the small things in that swing game that makes you a good or bad team.

The 2008 team ALWAYS came through to win the series.
This team struggles just to get the 1.

This season is over. They are not leapfrogging two teams from 10.5 back.
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"I'm going to drive to Connecticut and strangle that horse myself." - Sneetch

AndCounting · Seasoned Veteran Joined: 08 Dec 2008 Posts: 391

I don't think anyone here or just about anywhere is suggesting the Cubs will rise to the top of the division. That doesn't mean they can't play better than they have.

This last month, though, has been atrocious. I'd call April, May, and June a C, D, and F on the Cubs' report card. The real good news is that if and when the fire sale goes down, the Cubs should actually get quite a bit worse.
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When the snow melts away, do the Cubbies still play in that ivy-covered burial ground?

CrankyShoulder · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 11:44 am Post subject:

Roger · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2010 1:16 pm Post subject:

Cranky - love the optimism, I just can't keep it going anymore this year.

There is no explanation for this team......it just sucks.

I can't watch anymore games of this particular team. I would actually welcome a massive fire sale so I can at least watch a different/young Cubs team play and watch them grow, even while losing. But, too much dead weight that can't go anywhere.

Love keeping up on here and with the podcast, just can't stomach actually watching this anymore. Next year..... Rolling Eyes

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"I'm going to drive to Connecticut and strangle that horse myself." - Sneetch

CrankyShoulder · Posted: Tue Jul 20, 2010 2:51 pm Post subject:

According to BCB:

"I don't understand this team; they are now 5-14 against the two worst teams in their division, the Astros and Pirates. That accounts for almost all of the Cubs' deficit to .500 -- they are 37-38 against everyone else, and that includes winning series against the Dodgers and Rockies, contenders in the NL West, and the AL West-leading Rangers on the road, where the Cubs are 19-27."