Even Joe Maddon Is Shocked By How Good The Cubs Are
CHICAGO – Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon simply shook his head in disbelief after his team’s latest victory, a 6-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. It’s a rare moment when Maddon is at a loss for words, but when asked if he is surprised that his team has a commanding, 15-game lead in the National League Central as the calendar turns to September, Maddon stammered.
“Oh, yeah, c’mon,” he said with that head shake. “Absolutely. I would never have dreamt that. No, not at all. You could never imagine you’d have this kind of a lead at this particular point in the season.”
Remember when the Cubs were limping into the All Star break after playing something like 23 straight days in a row? And we all were doing what we always do and silently freaking out. Well since then the Cubs have been absolute MONSTERS. 22 wins in August, a franchise record. 15 game lead on September 1st and 85 wins overall. The Cubs could go .500 for the rest of the season and still hit 100 wins. They are a steamrolling force of nature. Their pitching this month was sublime, 2.75 ERA (next closest team was the Pirates with 3.52). They have the MVP of the league and a lineup that can give any team fits. They can beat you with the starters, the bats, or the bullpen. They can win any style of game, and for that reason I’m scared.
Scared? Yes of course I’m scared, how could you not be. I think this Cubs team is the best team in baseball with no close second. They’re the best Cubs team I’ve ever watched and I still know it means nothing without a ring in October. I know that, you know that, and the whole team knows that. So I’m not scared in that I think the Cubs have some mysterious flaw waiting to be exposed, they’re really really good, I’m scared because I know how flukey and crazy October baseball is. I know it can be over in the blink of an eye. That 2 bad starts or a mini slump can put a nail in the coffin before you know it. So the clock turns to September and I’ve said all season long enjoying this ride is all that matters right now. Well that still stands, but in 4 short weeks it’s go time and I’m excited and ready and feel like I have to puke all at the same time. You know, the regular range of emotions for a poorly adjusted 31 year old sports fan.
PS
I hate that I’ve looked ahead to the entire MLB postseason schedule but I put down the check for my playoff tickets a few days ago and already have all my trips mapped out. This will either be the greatest October of all time or the most suicidal Big Cat anyone has ever seen, no real in between.