So that’s what it’s come down to, eh? Swept away like dirt under a rug. The Cubs were euthanized by the Dodgers without as much as a whimper or moan from the not-so-lovable losers. At least in previous years when they had a really good team, like in 1984 or 2003, they won some games and had to experience some unusual circumstances before their season was over. But not in 2008.
All we’ve got now is the hope of better days.
Meanwhile, this time the team with the best record in the National League was a fraud...They were never even close to beating the boys of summer. In fact, they did nothing well. Out-hit, out-pitched, and out-managed. The haters will say, "What else is new?" not understanding that this team was supposed to be different.
They don’t comprehend how Cubs fans can have real hope for a franchise that hasn’t won in 100 years.
Make that 101 years.
Well my soul checked out missing as I sat listening
To the hours and minutes tickin’ away
Yeah, just sittin’ around waitin’ for my life to begin
While it was all just slippin’ away.
To be a Cubs fan is to experience a roller coaster of emotions. Heck, in this series alone, we’ve gone from shock to disappointment to anger to sadness to disbelief, and now to resignation. Resigned to another year of watching some other team achieve what we so badly want. What we so badly deserve. What we may never get.
I’m tired of waitin’ for tomorrow to come
Or that train to come roarin’ round the bend.
You know, it’s not just that the Cubs played so poorly that hurts. It’s that you make the emotional investment and get bankrupt in the process. Like an alcoholic kneeling at the porcelain god, you swore you would never do it again. But as you watched this team evolve, you slowly started to believe. This time is different, you told yourself. This is our year, finally.
So you decide to go all in. And what do you get in return? The agony of defeat. You feel like a damn fool.
Every fool has a reason for feelin’ sorry for himself, and turnin’ his heart to stone
Tonight this fool is halfway to heaven and just a mile out of hell.
These Dodgers are a good team, especially since Manny came on board. But as badly as they were outplayed in the series, Cubs fans refuse to believe the Dodgers are any better than their team. We just don’t have players that step up when the spotlight is shining down on them. When you have to deliver, go call DHL or FedEx, but certainly don’t call the Cubs.
Remember, the Cubs spent the money. But they are a big-market team playing like a pauper.
It’s a sad funny ending to find yourself pretending
A rich man in a poor man’s shirt.
So now what’s next for these Cubs? Well, it’s apparent they need a left-handed power hitter. That’s the same thing they needed after last year’s sweep by the Diamondbacks. But they’re hamstrung in the outfield, with $38 million still owed to a glorified defensive replacement and a left fielder who doesn’t fit as a leadoff man, yet is untradable.
And center fielders with power don’t grow on trees. Somehow, they have to break up the right-handed hitting trio of Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez.
But that’s talk for another day. Right now, we’re too disgusted and the pain is too fresh. Open wounds take time to heal. And there’s always next century.
Tonight I’m layin’ in your arms carvin’ lucky charms
Out of these hard luck bones.
Mamas, don’t let your babies grow up to be Cubs fans.
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about 1 month ago
Hey we will take you with open arms in St. Louis. We like winning. Just joking around. We will see you next year and i know your team will come out swinging like they always do. Best of luck!
from about 1 month ago
I said about a month ago that if they could overcome the psychological pressure there is nothing else that would stop them...The pressure continues to get inside there heads..
from about 1 month ago
I said about a month ago that if they could overcome the psychological pressure there is nothing else that would stop them...The pressure continues to get inside there heads..
from about 1 month ago
I said about a month ago that if they could overcome the psychological pressure there is nothing else that would stop them...The pressure continues to get inside there heads..
from about 1 month ago
I said about a month ago that if they could overcome the psychological pressure there is nothing else that would stop them...The pressure continues to get inside there heads..
about 1 month ago
I still am hoping I will wake up in the morning to find out it was just a bad dream.
from about 1 month ago
It wasn't just a bad dream, MJ, it was a nightmare. Thanks for the comment.
about 1 month ago
Its been a good season Bob, and I've enjoyed your non-stop coverage. Don't you feel cheated at all or like you wasted any of your time and investment in such a poor finishing team? I do. I don't really know what to feel right now because what happens next year when they start playing well again? Theres no way I will believe any of it is legit after the last two collapses. Without the Bears, I might have to move to Italy or something.
We all need a Cub-free, four-month vacation starting today.
Thanks for all your hard work this season Bob and I look forward to reading how you intend to make this team into a winner during the off season.
from about 1 month ago
Yes I do feel that way though it's certainly not the first time. My writing about the Cubs will be greatly reduced from now on, but I have enjoyed it. And Sam, guys like you make it all worth it. You read and give encouragement and are knowledgeable. Maybe if I quit as community leader you can take over?
from about 1 month ago
If you quit? You mean, if you "retire." But I don't see you doing that, you're too good at writing and leading the Cubs Community, which is one of the most popular ones on the site.
about 1 month ago
I couldn't have said it better. While I'm not a Cubs fan I can understand following this team for 162 games, believing in them and then for it to end like this, three games, its all over. That just has to be a kick in the gut for things to end in a heartbeat without a whimper.
Last year the Indians weren't supposed to be there, we pushed it to the limit and I was proud of the effort in hindsight. But the Cubs were supposed to go far, at least farther than 3 games in the NLDS. I'm not sure it can be justified to say this was a successful season, but it really in a way is. 97 wins is nothing to laugh about.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Nino but I can't help but feel the season as a whole was not a success. Even one win in the playoffs would have been an improvment. To get swept again really hurts. I put that poll in there because it all depends on your persepctive - the regular season was an unabashed success but the postseason was awful.
Your Indians have a player I'd like the Cubs to get. How about we trade you Aramis Ramirez and a pitcher for Grady Sizemore?
from about 1 month ago
Haha everyone would like to have Grady Sizemore I think.
Definitely not a success, but it was successful, if that make sense. It wasn't a total loss at least. Still were expected to do more like you said.
about 1 month ago
My rage is gone;
And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up.
Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one.
Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully:
Trail your steel pikes. Though in this city he
Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one,
Which to this hour bewail the injury,
Yet he shall have a noble memory. Assist.
The Tragedy of Coriolanus,
William Shakespeare
from about 1 month ago
The Cubs didn't even do battle Anon. They went out w/o a fight, that's what gets me the most. Thanks for your words as always, Shakespeare on BR is remarkable.
about 1 month ago
i'm honestly sorry for you cubs fans. i really root for you guys except for when you play my dodgers which you just were....i am glad my boys in blue are going on but i do have empathy for you all.... but this is why i wrote my article right before the playoffs "why cubs fans need to learn from red sox fans"
from about 1 month ago
I understand what you're saying and what you wrote Jon. But hey, life goes on. Good luck to your Dodgers, I hope they go all the way now.
about 1 month ago
I was shocked to see the Cubs get swept. I had them winning in five, and advancing to win the World Series. I'm sorry to all Cubs fans. If you would like to read what I thought about the series, here it is: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/65381-what-really-beat-the-cubs#poll
from about 1 month ago
Thankls fro the comment Ari, I will check out your article.
about 1 month ago
My rage is gone;
And I am struck with sorrow. Take him up.
Help, three o' the chiefest soldiers; I'll be one.
Beat thou the drum, that it speak mournfully:
Trail your steel pikes. Though in this city he
Hath widow'd and unchilded many a one,
Which to this hour bewail the injury,
Yet he shall have a noble memory. Assist.
The Tragedy of Coriolanus,
William Shakespeare
from about 1 month ago
Sorry - I don't know how it happened. Didn't want to post this twice.
about 1 month ago
so well said Bob. I was completely shocked at how badly this team looked. although I am happy to see Torre win (Yanks are forever my #1 team and I love Joe T.) and Manny is hilarious. That being said, I had these Cubs going to the show but alas they must diappoint the Cub faithful (i'm not a Cub fan myself) just a baseball lover.
They fit my comparison completely in my piece How are WWE Stars Like MLB Teams. They can never get that brass ring.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the kind words Shane. Joe outmanaged Lou in the series and although he had never won prior to joining the Yankees I think he has proved to everyone what a good manager he really is.
from about 1 month ago
i was never in favor of Torre being let go. I know the Yankee higher ups were enamored with Girardi but I still thought Torre could have been beneficial in NY. I don't have a problem with Girardi, he did an amazing job with my other team (Marlins) in his one season. There are of course the issues he had with Marlin owner and all but he did lead a Florida team to an unpredictable finish. That being said, I will continue to cheer for Torre because he's the man in my opinion
about 1 month ago
No problem, Anon, maybe you just wanted to boost my comment total? :)
about 1 month ago
It's time to burn down Wrigley Field, build a new "curse-less" stadium on the lakefront, change the name of the "Cubs" franchise, get Cuban in Chicago, and get that left-handed power hitter you mentioned. I wish I could "pick" another team that I could be a fan of but I was born into a Cubs family and thus am burdened as a cubs fan. Despite the heart break, I want to thank this 2008 team for a GREAT regular season because after all they did do well and you can't argue with that. They just need to learn how to play when it matters the most. We had a lot of inexperienced players this season, in terms of post-season experience, and that obviously showed. I will forever question Lou's choice of starting Dempster in the first game. Despite the season he had at home, I would have started Zambrano because he has the experience, has won in the post season, and I felt that if we could have won the first game, then had Dempster pitch there would have been a considerable amount of pressure lifted off of his shoulders. And one more thing, it was good to see Fukudome get a hit when we needed it, for once. I want to thank you Bob for writing about the Cubs this season, you did well, and helped me have a little more faith in this team, which felt good until the meltdown. =) I'll see you next year, hopefully
from about 1 month ago
It probably is time to build a new ballpark. The nostalgia's worn pretty thin in the past five years.
Also, Carlos Zambrano has never won in the postseason: He is 0-2 in five postseason games.
from about 1 month ago
Thank you Michael, I appreciate the kind words. I can't be a fan of any other team, either, it's ingrained in my DNA.
about 1 month ago
Well, as a Mets fan I kind of feel your pain. We've had issues delivering in the clutch (like the last 17 games of the regular season) and it hasn't been pretty the last couple of years.
The Dodgers certainly are a better team than many expected. Joe Torre could possibly be one of the best baseball managers of all time. And you're right--the addition of Manny changed the face of the Dodgers significantly.
It was a tough three games for Cubs fans and even though some fans near me had started talking smack about a World Series relentlessly, I feel sorry for the Cubby Nation (but I'll rub it in to those smack-talking morons 'til kingdom come).
The Cubs will be back. Great article.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks James and your Mets will be back next year and will be a good team. Peace.
about 1 month ago
Well at least the Chicago sports fans have a had a recent championship with the Sox. Try being a Philadelphia sports fan.....but hey those Phillies are looking good!
from about 1 month ago
True Anthony, but as a Cubs fan, having the Sox win the WS doesn't make us feel good, it only makes it worse. And yes, your Phillies look good. It should be a good series between them and the Dodgers.
about 1 month ago
While the wounds are still fresh, it's difficult to analyze what went wrong where. I don't think the season was a failure, though--the Cubs won their first back-to-back division titles in years, and Zambrano finally threw the no-no that he'd been flirting with for years.
The bad? The $38 million rightfield defensive replacement, as you put it. The leftfielder with the .200 or so career postseason batting average. A lack of left-handed power hitters in the lineup. Bob Howry. Daryle Ward...
One thing I won't do is question Lou's choice of Dempster to start game one at Wrigley Field. Based upon Zambrano's two post no-hitter appearances and Dempster's home record, it was the only choice that he could have made. The Dodgers were just better than anybody expected. Good luck to them as they advance in the playoffs.
from about 1 month ago
Andrew, you're right that we have to give props to the Dodgers. They played well. The Phillies will have their hands full.
about 1 month ago
when I heard the news last night, I didn't say a word to anybody for almost 5 minutes...I wouldn't talk, I couldn't talk. It was like a part of me was ripped out.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Tony, I know what you mean.
about 1 month ago
Andrew, we do need to get out of Wrigley. But I'm sure the next owners will milk the stadium for all its worth, it's the thing that they think brings the fans to the games.
about 1 month ago
Great season for the Cubs, but one of the things that I think hurts them the most is Soriano leading off. He has good numbers but his lack of production in the post-season should have moved him down in the order. Mark Derosa may have been a better fit.
Career Post-season numbers:
AVG: .195
HR: 1
RBI: 9
OBP: .233!
Games: 19
Not good..
Derosa seemed to be the only guy in the lineup with some pop this series, yet he batted 7th or 8th on Saturday night. Questionable managing by piniella.. As for wrigley, go ahead and tear it down, but I want to go there first :)..that would make Dodger stadium the second oldest in the game...
Go Dodgers! They're going to the world series for sure. Their pitching seems unstoppable and the offense clutch. They scored all those runs with no production from Kemp or Ethier. IF those guys heat up, it's done.
Sry Cubs fans, good luck next year.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Andrew, for being a fan and being happy about your team yet not rubbing it in our faces. Very classy on your part. And I agree with you, we all know Soriano is not a leadoff hitter, and Lou will never move him from that spot because he has to coddle his star player or else completely lose him and he's signed for several more years. I wonder how different things would have been had they gotten Brian Roberts. Of course then we might not have had such a strong season from Mark DeRosa.
about 1 month ago
Too Bad Cub Fans.
Dodgers haven't won anything yet.
from about 1 month ago
No they haven't. And as good as they looked against us, now they're facing a team with confidence, one that can actually hit the ball. I'm picking the Dodgers, but I believe it will be a tough series going the full seven games. A Red Sox - Dodgers WS would be intersting, with Manny, Lowe and Nomar on the Dodgers. But for now, it's hard for a Cubs fan to get real excited about anything. Thanks Shawn.
about 1 month ago
plenty of room on the south sid, the Sox might not be a great team, but at least they play with the heart of a champion. The Cubs just don't have a team full of winners, and Lou has lost more playoff games in the last 15 years than a lot of managers....
from about 1 month ago
No chance of my ever becoming a Sox fan, Sam, but thanks for the comment. A tiger can't change its stripes my friend.
about 1 month ago
If I wait till next century, I'll be 123 years old, haha. I needed a Cubs' World Series this year, my older brother and I needed it, and I don't doubt that every Cubs' fan needed one this year. The reason why it's harder this year is, well, they were supposed to be the best in the NL, plain and simple. The sweep was supposed to go the other way. But, I'm done coping already and am ready for next year.
from about 1 month ago
Yeah, but even if they have another good season next year, how can you believe this team will ever win in the postseason with the same guys - Soriano, Lee, Ramirez, Zambrano...?
about 1 month ago
Thanks for the words and the lyrics, Bob.
I suspect that most of us Cubs fans are subconscious masochists who would be deprived of our main pain if the Cubs ever again win the WS. We cherish so much the feeling of our own gallantry, keeping the faith bravely as Fate strikes once again.
And Fate has gotten stronger over the past century, have you noticed? Back in '45, just by finishing first in an eight-team league, the Cubs had a theoretical 50-50 shot at winning it all against the only other team in postseason play, the Tigers.
These days, our heroic role as Cubs fans is much better protected. By finishing first in a six-team division, the team acquires only a theoretical 12.5% chance of coming out of the 8-team playoffs on top. Within a few more years, MLB may go NBA and let even more teams into the postseason.
So let us be happy in our continuing pain, and let us be reassured that it is likely to continue, yea to surpass our miserable lifetimes. As Grandpa Jones sang so unhappily on Hee-Haw,
"Gloom, despair and agony on me-e!
Deep dark depression, excessive misery-y!
If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all!
Gloom, despair and agony on me-e-e!"
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Ebenezer, well said.
about 1 month ago
So if you make the post season and do not win a game isn't that ALMOST the same as NOT making it at all...... I mean the sad sack cubs had as many post season wins as lets say the padres did this year......ZERO...... so why did they even bother going at all.....
from about 1 month ago
I asked the question in the poll, James, because not all fans share that view. I do, and I agree with you. But many Cubs fans tell me that at least they had fun winning all season long, winning 97 games and the division. But for me, it's still not a successful season because we got swept again. Two years in a row. Pathetic. Thanks.
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