*****Official Cubs 2019 thread*****

[HawkBall23]

Storm my front door with pitch forks and torches, but I'm struggling to convince myself to want to see this Cubs team make the upcoming postseason.

I know, I know, they're still mathematically very much in it and things can change once the postseason begins - Rizzo & Baez might get healthy and carry the team on their backs - but as of right now? This team is gonna get rocked on the road, and are struggling at home vs good [IE, postseason-destined] teams and/or teams that live for nothing more than to play spoilers every single late September. (and that's assuming the Cubs survive the WCG)

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Damn. Now what?

now we quit losing to these damn red teams!

ball is still 100% in their (field?).

 

[TheCainer]

now we quit losing to these damn red teams!

ball is still 100% in their (field?).

Looking at who we and our opponents have left on their schedules, the Cubs best hopes might be to split the remaining 6 with St. Louis and hopefully take at least 2 of 3 in Pittsburgh. That could give them a chance of catching Washington who has 5 games with Philly and 3 with Cleveland, plus 3 in Miami. Washington is in a bit of a slump and just might stumble down the stretch. Unfortunately if the Cubs do catch them, it will probably be the #2 WC as I think Milwaukee will get the top WC now.

Lots to play for yet and a lot can still happen. Just have to take it 1 game at a time, and do a lot of scoreboard watching.

 

[mstp1992]

I'm tired of the "stupid" argument. Flaherty is having an all-time 2nd half. To read your posts, Jake Arrieta did nothing in 2015, the opponents were just not trying and didn't care.

The Cubs aren't the only team full of guys who are paid to play baseball.

You weren’t watching the same game, then.

Flaherty’s good, but not historical, once in a generation, good.

No, the Cubs are just not a smart team. Most don’t seem to understand situational baseball.

Fly ball or grounder to the right side gets in Schwarber. Instead he hits a little tap right back to the pitcher.

The rundown was pathetic, poor effort on both Schwarber AND Contrares.

Stupid, and not team-first baseball.

The Cubs with any hint of smart baseball should be up by several games. But, just like last year, the Cubs are choking away the playoffs.

 

[hawkifann]

You weren’t watching the same game, then.

Flaherty’s good, but not historical, once in a generation, good.

No, the Cubs are just not a smart team. Most don’t seem to understand situational baseball.

Fly ball or grounder to the right side gets in Schwarber. Instead he hits a little tap right back to the pitcher.

The rundown was pathetic, poor effort on both Schwarber AND Contrares.

Stupid, and not team-first baseball.

The Cubs with any hint of smart baseball should be up by several games. But, just like last year, the Cubs are choking away the playoffs.

Flaherty is having a fairly historic 2nd half. That doesn't make him a HOFer, but it makes him really hot right now.

But this team is really, really good at finding ways to lose close games.

 

[noleclone2]

Flaherty is having a fairly historic 2nd half. That doesn't make him a HOFer, but it makes him really hot right now.

But this team is really, really good at finding ways to lose close games.

At this point, it’s in their heads. Ready for season to be over. I guess the debate two years in a row of swooning at finish line is would we prefer this or the old days of finishing 25 games back sub 500 with no hopes of playoffs by June? There are pros and cons to each. Having a pretty good baseball team that just can’t make the playoffs turns out to be not very fun.

 

[HawkRugged17]

And now?

They battled back and fell short. You said they don't give a damn. Tell that to Rizzo ...

 

[33hawkfan]

At this point, it’s in their heads. Ready for season to be over. I guess the debate two years in a row of swooning at finish line is would we prefer this or the old days of finishing 25 games back sub 500 with no hopes of playoffs by June? There are pros and cons to each. Having a pretty good baseball team that just can’t make the playoffs turns out to be not very fun.

The Cubs didn’t swoon at the finish line last year as much as the Brewers just got white hot to close the year.

 

[mstp1992]

They battled back and fell short. You said they don't give a damn. Tell that to Rizzo ...

View embedded media

Rizzo's one of the few players I've consistently said gives 100% all the time; he, Castellanos, Baez. The others look like they're ready for the season to be over. The mental mistakes they make are inexcusable.

 

[mstp1992]

The Cubs didn’t swoon at the finish line last year as much as the Brewers just got white hot to close the year.

They were up 5 games September 2nd (81-55) and proceeded to go 14-12 the rest of the way, including 2-4 against the Brewers (not counting the game 163 loss).

That's swooning, just like this year.

 

[dgordo]

The starting rotation will be mediocre at best. Washed up Lester, head case (and turning 34) Darvish, innings eater Quintana, and soft-tossing Hendricks.

The fifth spot will be filled by a journeyman whom Theo Epstein overpays while negotiating against himself, or Adbert Alzolay who will probably have an ERA around 5.00.

But at least they will be paying Lester/Darvish/Kimbrel about $60M, plus another $3M to Morrow just to go away.

Gosh, Theo is a genius. Feels a lot like 2011-2012 Boston.

it does feel like that, hopefully the cubs still have the same 2013 season that they had in Boston.

 

[hawkfan0319]

 

[lucas80]

They stink!

Allowed.

 

[dgordo]

 

[MuscoHawk]

Do we have to play the rest of the games? Can we just forfeit and move on to the rebuild?

 

[redbirdhawk]

Keep in mind the Brewers hold the tie breaker with the Cubs, should both teams finish tied for the WC. And the Brewers remaining schedule is against weak teams.

 

[EpenesaEpenesa]

Do we have to play the rest of the games? Can we just forfeit and move on to the rebuild?

I have no expectations for this team, but I'm kind of enjoying this playoff baseball atmosphere right now at Wrigley

 

[lucas80]

Keep in mind the Brewers hold the tie breaker with the Cubs, should both teams finish tied for the WC. And the Brewers remaining schedule is against weak teams.

I don't think that is going to come into play...

 

[33hawkfan]

They were up 5 games September 2nd (81-55) and proceeded to go 14-12 the rest of the way, including 2-4 against the Brewers (not counting the game 163 loss).

That's swooning, just like this year.

They were 10-6 their last 16, 6-3 the last 9, 4-1 the last 5, totally epic collapse.

 

[mstp1992]

They were 10-6 their last 16, 6-3 the last 9, 4-1 the last 5, totally epic collapse.

Too little, too late considering their failures earlier in the month.

Face it, the Cubs choked last year and again this year.

 

[rk#5]

You weren’t watching the same game, then.

Flaherty’s good, but not historical, once in a generation, good.

No, the Cubs are just not a smart team. Most don’t seem to understand situational baseball.

Fly ball or grounder to the right side gets in Schwarber. Instead he hits a little tap right back to the pitcher.

The rundown was pathetic, poor effort on both Schwarber AND Contrares.

Stupid, and not team-first baseball.

The Cubs with any hint of smart baseball should be up by several games. But, just like last year, the Cubs are choking away the playoffs.

https://www.mlb.com/news/jack-flaherty-is-best-pitcher-of-second-half

Actually he is having a historic 2nd half. I'm not sure why you even watch the games though, it seems to make you angry.

 

[mstp1992]

https://www.mlb.com/news/jack-flaherty-is-best-pitcher-of-second-half

Actually he is having a historic 2nd half. I'm not sure why you even watch the games though, it seems to make you angry.

I expect better from the Cubs because they are capable of it.

The Cubs are underachieving, and playing uninspired baseball.

 

[33hawkfan]

https://www.mlb.com/news/jack-flaherty-is-best-pitcher-of-second-half

Actually he is having a historic 2nd half. I'm not sure why you even watch the games though, it seems to make you angry.

So he can most the same, tired "they look like they don't care" crap over and over

 

[HawkRugged17]

Rizzo's one of the few players I've consistently said gives 100% all the time; he, Castellanos, Baez. The others look like they're ready for the season to be over. The mental mistakes they make are inexcusable.

Disagree. Playing bad baseball (lousy baserunning, not getting runners home from 3rd, bullpen issues etc.) is different than a player ready for the season to be over. They just need to play better.

Look no further than the Pirates ... talk about a team that was ready for the season to be over. Slow pitch softball has better pitching.

Anyway, not looking good, but I don't think the players aren't trying. They just are not executing the small things that make a difference in winning games. Doesn't mean I won't root for them. It's been 50 years and it's just part of being a baseball fan, and more importantly, a Cubs fan.

 

[HawkRugged17]

I expect better from the Cubs because they are capable of it.

The Cubs are underachieving, and playing uninspired baseball.

You thought scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th after doing nothing for 8 innings was uninspired? Geez ...

 

[HawkRugged17]

https://www.mlb.com/news/jack-flaherty-is-best-pitcher-of-second-half

Actually he is having a historic 2nd half. I'm not sure why you even watch the games though, it seems to make you angry.

Yep ...

 

[mstp1992]

So he can most the same, tired "they look like they don't care" crap over and over

If the shoe fits...

Since August 30 the Cubs:

• are 10-10 overall
• 2-5 against the Brewers
• lost 3 straight extra inning games, and a 4th in the bottom of the 9th

They're choking just like last year.

 

[mstp1992]

You thought scoring 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th after doing nothing for 8 innings was uninspired? Geez ...

And lost, didn't they?

 

[mstp1992]

Disagree. Playing bad baseball (lousy baserunning, not getting runners home from 3rd, bullpen issues etc.) is different than a player ready for the season to be over. They just need to play better.

Those mental mistakes are often made because players don't have their heads in the game.

 

[33hawkfan]

If the shoe fits...

Since August 30 the Cubs:

• are 10-10 overall
• 2-5 against the Brewers
• lost 3 straight extra inning games, and a 4th in the bottom of the 9th

They're choking just like last year.

The Cubs have been a .500 team for basically the last 100+ games, this is not a new thing. They just aren't a particularly good team.

 

[HawkRugged17]

And lost, didn't they?

So, while rallying in the 9th inning, you weren't happy because they still might lose? Did you stop watching the 2016 World Series after Game 4?

Chill out dude. You keep saying uninspired, no effort, blah blah blah. So, Yu Darvish is inspired because he is pitching well but Jon Lester doesn't care because he isn't pitching well? It really doesn't work that way.

 

[mstp1992]

The Cubs have been a .500 team for basically the last 100+ games, this is not a new thing.

And, I expect better from them.

If the Cubs had .500 talent, that's one thing. They don't, however. So many of their losses are because they can't do the little things; moving the runner along the bases, hitting the fly ball with a man on 3rd and less than 2 outs, holding leads. Those are all mental things that should not be happening with this team.

 

[HawkRugged17]

Those mental mistakes are often made because players don't have their heads in the game.

Really? I would agree that I would like to see Contreras try to get to 2B when Schwarber was in the rundown (causing two throws and getting tagged out going towards home). But it didn't happen. They still managed to rally to tie the game. How did that happen?

When Nate Stanley overthrows a pass, is he not trying? Or, did he just not make a good throw. Good Lord ... if it was so easy, then every batter would get the runner in from 3rd with less than 2 outs. But, the pitcher is trying too. That's what makes it so compelling.

 

[mstp1992]

So, while rallying in the 9th inning, you weren't happy because they still might lose? Did you stop watching the 2016 World Series after Game 4?

Chill out dude. You keep saying uninspired, no effort, blah blah blah. So, Yu Darvish is inspired because he is pitching well but Jon Lester doesn't care because he isn't pitching well? It really doesn't work that way.

That team WAS playing inspired ball. I always had the feeling they could come back and win no matter how far down they were. There was a look of confidence, joy, exuberance, even when they were losing. But I don't believe in them like I used to. Right now when you watch the players movements, gestures, affective expressive, they all look down, despondent, like there's something missing.

 

[HawkRugged17]

And, I expect better from them.

If the Cubs had .500 talent, that's one thing. They don't, however. So many of their losses are because they can't do the little things; moving the runner along the bases, hitting the fly ball with a man on 3rd and less than 2 outs, holding leads. Those are all mental things that should not be happening with this team.

Cardinals had the bases loaded with nobody out and Dexter Fowler hit into a double play. Was that a mental thing? Why didn't he hit a fly ball? Doesn't he realize that making 2 outs in one play is bad?

The Cubs are basically an average team for whatever reason (injuries, bad baserunning, bullpen issues, etc.). They need to step up to make the playoffs ... and it may not happen. Deal with it.

 

[mstp1992]

The Cubs are basically an average team for whatever reason (injuries, bad baserunning, bullpen issues, etc.). They need to step up to make the playoffs ... and it may not happen. Deal with it.

Their record is "average." However, I truly believe they have the talent to have a far better record. That's the part that's so bothersome.

 

[33hawkfan]

That team WAS playing inspired ball. I always had the feeling they could come back and win no matter how far down they were. There was a look of confidence, joy, exuberance, even when they were losing. But I don't believe in them like I used to. Right now when you watch the players movements, gestures, affective expressive, they all look down, despondent, like there's something missing.

They sure looked like they didn't care when they were losing those five NLCS and World Series games, if they really cared they would have just swept both series.

 

[HawkRugged17]

That team WAS playing inspired ball. I always had the feeling they could come back and win no matter how far down they were. There was a look of confidence, joy, exuberance, even when they were losing. But I don't believe in them like I used to. Right now when you watch the players movements, gestures, affective expressive, they all look down, despondent, like there's something missing.

Did you see the bench when Rizzo homered? Or, when they rallied for 3 runs in the ninth? Weirdly, teams look happy when doing well, and not so happy when it is not going well. Human nature.

Maybe they need another voice to listen to. Maybe a shakeup in the locker room. Maybe a visit from the zoo again.

When the season is over, we will find out what the plan is. For now, I am interested to see if they can pull this off. As a Cubs fan for many years, I assume it may not happen. But, I will be watching to see if it does because I woudn't miss it for the world.

 

[HawkRugged17]

Their record is "average." However, I truly believe they have the talent to have a far better record. That's the part that's so bothersome.

Why? They have talent, but haven't played well. If it was always so easy, why play the games?

 

[mstp1992]

Did you see the bench when Rizzo homered? Or, when they rallied for 3 runs in the ninth? Weirdly, teams look happy when doing well, and not so happy when it is not going well. Human nature.

Maybe they need another voice to listen to. Maybe a shakeup in the locker room. Maybe a visit from the zoo again.

When the season is over, we will find out what the plan is. For now, I am interested to see if they can pull this off. As a Cubs fan for many years, I assume it may not happen. But, I will be watching to see if it does because I woudn't miss it for the world.

Oh, I'll still watch just as much as I can. I've been a fan since the late 60's and have been through worse. But, they need some changes in their attitudes. Many of the players just don't appear to be mentally tough or have a real good baseball IQ.