I return yesterday from my 2.5 week sabbatical across the ocean and see my Cubbies get no-hit Nice!

This "slump" isn't a surprise as it's the been the same performance all season. In May you could tell this season was smoke 'n mirrors by their run differential. I don't think these cats have ever been above +15. They've been pinching off one-run walk-off and extra inning squeakers all season (hint: not sustainable).

I welcome the struggles. Soler, Bryant, Russel, Baez, etc were all hot shit in the minors. Never struggled. This season is teaching them you can't rely on natural ability, need to adjust, and keep working. And, yet, with their struggles the Cubs are right there in the thick of things! All you need to do is look 15 el stops south for what truly is hopeless fucking disaster with no light at the end of the tunnel.

Baseball teams don't just *click* (see dumpster fires: Padres, Red Sox, White Sox). In the Cubs first season of "trying" they're on pace for 86 wins. They'll probably finish between 81 - 84 wins. That's an improvement of hopefully a minimum of 8 wins. That's not easy!!!

Anyways, other mid-season thoughts:

Dexter Fowler - I was intrigued by his acquisition this off-season. Guy in his contract year is usually a good thing as he'll give you everything he has. Well, he's kinda not that good. Sucks as I would've liked to QO him and snag a draft pick when he signed elsewhere. Maybe a buy-low guy as he's cratered his value and Almora sucks?

Lester - much better. About time chickenhead. Cut out the beer? Need to squeeze 3 years of this before he turns Zito (when not if).

Strop - my guy! Is not awesome.

I wouldnt say FINE.

I will go with expected difficulties and I am FINE in the long term plan....but FINE as a present state of the team isnt what I would say for this season.

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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.’”

Kirkwood dropping knowledge. Preach on.

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Too long, didn't read

This thread is now titled The Kirkwood Preemption Act

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

Probably the best most sensible post Kirkwood has ever made here.

Well done sir.

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"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

I didn't read that wall of words either, but I agree with the title . The Cubs are fine .

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Weekend of shit. Better get it right in a hurry.

The Cubs are 31-32 since May 17th. That is not really fine, that is mediocre at best. They are better than the last few years by far, and the arrow is pointing up. However the Cubs have a long, long way to go before they can legitimately be considered a contender for getting to the NLCS or the WS.

So, you're saying they're fine! Agreed!

Everyone thinks the Cubs got better but the truth is the NL just got worse.

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

When you say "long,long way". You mean what ?


I'm thinking Bryant,Schwarber and Soler all make minor improvements next season ..add Price or Greinke n that should be 90 plus wins .

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Yes, would love to see Schwarber improve his .396 / .453 / .667

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So the Cubs are fine because they should be worse than they are in terms of record?

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You do not talk to me like that! I work too hard to deal with this stuff! I work too hard! I'm an important member of the CSFMB! I drive a Dodge Stratus!

I'm thinking improve defensively for Schwarber in Left .


I think Bryant's speed is being wasted at 3rd, like to see him play Center next year.

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Bad thread. Cubs aren't fine. They are amazing good.