No Cubs fan will ever forget November 2nd, 2016. Those who’ve past away since then took that memory to their graves. That was a day for the history books as Chicago beat the Indians 8-7 in extra innings to win their first World Series in 107 years. The images are still fresh on Wrigley Field’s fans: David Ross‘s last ever game, Jon Lester coming in relief, Aroldis Chapman blowing up a lead, among many others. Sadly, the Chicago Cubs have clinged to their precious memories for too long and the reality couldn’t be more different in late 2019.
They Used To Know How To Throw A Baseball
The once brilliant pitching staff is not anymore. Former heroes like Lester and Jose Quintana now have ERAs near the 4.50s. They found a new closer in the form of Craig Kimbrel and have had nothing but disappointments. The former Red Sox has a 6.53 ERA with just 13 saves for the season. He’s been on and off the IL since arriving in Chicago. Middle relievers have failed as well recently, blowing leads against key rivals like the Nationals and Mets.
They Used To Generate Offense
Their offense has all sorts of trouble as well. Addison Russell has had problems with domestic abuse ever since 2017 and has spent a big chunk of time in the minors. His replacement, Baez, has performed reasonably well this year, but seems to have returned to his former self, striking out in 27.8% of his at-bats. Albert Almora has been as mediocre as ever, batting just .241 with 12 homers and 32 RBI.
Even those who have saved themselves from mediocrity have found bumps in the road late in the season. RBI team leaders Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant have had ankle problems recently. The latter has yet to return from his recent sprain. The same can be said about Kyle Schwarber and pitcher Brandon Morrow.
There’s still one more problem to talk about, and it’s a big one.
Meaningless Maddon
Joe Maddon is no longer fit for the job. The man has been completely incapable of managing the Cubs past their 2016 triumph. His unorthodox approach to baseball worked wonders back in the day, but all good things must come to an end. The “Respect 90” philosophy has run its course and nobody seems to care anymore.
The former Manager of the Year made things harder on himself by openly talking about his contract negotiations with the press. That didn’t go well with Theo Epstein and the organization was “Pissed” with him according to reports. Epstein quickly squashed such reports. I don’t buy that. They were pissed and they probably still are. The 65-year-old seems more interested in managing his restaurant at Wrigleyville than a baseball team.
The Lovable Losers Have Returned
The Chicago Cubs have drifted off their 2016 rainbow for the past couple of years. 2017 ended against Los Angeles in the NLCS. Things ended abruptly for them a year later in a tiebreaker game against the Brewers. In 2019 they won’t make the Postseason altogether. Chicago’s Northside team seems to be reverting to the lovable losers they always were.
Living off your memories won’t get you another World Championship. Not even in the next 107 years.