My Cubs’ fandom is the closest thing I have to a religion. I blindly follow the team, and their 2016 World Series victory constantly reminds me that my sports team can actually win.
Unfortunately, since 2016, the Cubs have fallen back into mediocrity. Their last playoff appearance was in 2020, and I have been half-watching their seasons, knowing that even if they made the playoffs, they were not near the level of top competition.
But, as of May 14, the Cubs had played the hardest schedule so far. They also currently have the easiest strength of schedule remaining. They have many more games against their own division, and only six left against teams from the MLB West. All six of those games are against the worst team in the league (Colorado Rockies).
The Cubs had been pulling away in the NL Central, but the Cardinals went on a winning streak and have kept things interesting. The Cubs won’t play their first game against the Cardinals until June 23.
Why I’m Not Excited
Injuries.
The Cubs have already lost their best starting pitcher, Justin Steele, for the season. Their second-best pitcher, Shota Imanaga, is on the Injured List with a strained hamstring. Their previous best offensive weapon, Ian Happ, is also on the IL due to illness.
The bullpen.
Ryan Pressly had a night to forget on May 8. He gave up eight earned runs without recording an out. His ERA went from 2.08 to 7.62. I was watching the game for the first six of those runs. He should fare much better the rest of the year, but the bullpen as a whole is below average, and when the playoffs come, it will be tough to get outs.
Why I Am Excited
P
C
A
Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) is a 23-year-old, true five-tool prospect who is exciting to watch. He is first in the NL and second only to Aaron Judge in WAR. A huge piece of that is him being the best defender in the league.
His youthful energy and skill have lifted my spirits, and I feel rejuvenated.
The Cubs also added Kyle Tucker in the offseason. He started the season hot, but even after a recent cool-off, he is a top-20 player as well.
I don’t know if the Cubs will have the pitching to make a deep run in the playoffs, but they have the second-best record in the NL, and there is now hope in Wrigleyville.
