No, I dont really think they are going to get to the playoffs, but if not for their own divsion, they would be 5 games out of the final wildcard spot.

Being STL, PITT and CINCI will probably all get in, it's a tough hill to climb.

Basically the gap between the Reds (last WC Team in) and the Dodgers (Next team Out) is 5.5 games. Not an insurmountable number, but big enough to feel pretty good if you are the Reds.

The Cubs are 10 out, 4.5 behind the Dodgers. Of course the Dodgers will be buyers and the Cubs sellers in the next week, so that doesnt work so well, but to know that something is there is the plan.

All said, this is the last year I expect to be Sellers at this point of the year! Doesnt mean they win a pennant next year, but teams also need to learn how to win.

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

Isn't Theo's goal to win a WS by 2015? If so, then they have to go from being incredibly mediocre (as they currently are), to world beaters in a matter of two years. I think next year they'd have to make the playoffs, even win a series. The clock is ticking.

No, Theo never put any date to the plan 2015 or otherwise. Any date given to the plan, would be a guess made by members of the media or fans. By 2015, it's reasonable to think that some players (Baez and Bryant and possibly Soler and Almora later in the season) could be up with the major league club and contributing. The clock is not ticking to thinking fans. They see the progress being made and
understand why the moves that are made now might weaken the team in the short term, but strengthen the team in the long term. There is no reason for Cub fans to feel dissatisfied with the team's direction.

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Go Cubs!!!!

On Opening Day when Theo was on the Score, he specifically said they were looking at 2015 as when they would be contending. I assume he meant for a World Series. Otherwise JORR is right about him.

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2015 is when the shit has been purged and the core team is assembled. Then they have to get good.

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That's my purse! I don't know you!

I personally dont have a clock running on them, it is more of a constant improvement issue.

Once again, this team is a .500 Ball club since the start of May. Will it finish like this? Might be tough if 2 of 5 starters, OF, If and a closer are traded. So this is why I dont look for anymore of that next year.

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

If the word he used was "contending" then he gave himself some extra rope. All they have to do is make the playoffs by then & he'll consider the plan on course.

While I disagree w/ Steve's assessment re: the clock ticking, I agree w/ him that things are looking up for the organization.

Theo never spoke of winning a WS as something he can control.

He always talks about getting into the playoffs and taking it from there,

Have heard him talk about the playoffs way before he was with the Cubs and how the stats that they assemble during the year, dont apply to the playoffs that much when some team has 2 aces and they throws them every game. Which can be done when they have 2 or 3 day breaks between games.

Thus a team that might have a great record, might not be a great playoff team and vice versa.

I believe he spoke of the D Backs when they threw Schilling and Johnson on 3 days rest constantly.

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

and then you guys had a shot of Jack?

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

Isn't winning the World Series the ultimate goal of every team in the league?

Don't the Cubs have something like 18 or 20 blown saves this season?

If they had a good closer this year, they would be contending for a playoff spot right now.

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No, as a Cubs fan I want the Cubs to have the #1 ranked farm system. The more Latin lottery tickets the better.

You need those strong Latin players and their steroid hookups. But they are of a fiery makeup so you have to watch out!

http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/sta ... order/true

19, tied w/ Arizona, who lead the NL West despite having just a .515 winning %.

Wild Card next year

don't forget the BP Cup and the city attendance championship

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

If it weren't for those 3 big plays when we gave up those touchdowns, the defense played pretty well. </Wanstedt>

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This is just like a Rizzo article explaining to me that he is playing well.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

On pace for 24 Homers and 95 RBI

10th in WAR among MLB 1B

Like I said, I guess he is playing well.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.