The Chicago Cubs haven’t been serious contenders since 2008—another frustrating stretch for a team that hasn’t won a World Series since 1908. But, if the Cubs do these things, they could become contenders sooner rather than later. The Cubs have had an abysmal season. They are fifth in the NL Central and are on the verge of 100-plus losses. Even the friendly confines of Wrigley Field haven’t been very friendly. A 37-41 home record combined with a 22-57 road record have escorted the Cubs to the bottom of the league. The Cubs’ president of baseball operations, Theo Epstein, has a ...
For teams like the Chicago Cubs, this final stretch of the season is important for players who have something to play for. While this is an exciting time around the MLB with teams fighting for playoff spots and the World Series right around the corner, the Cubs are already focused on the 2013 season. The beloved Cubbies weren’t supposed to be contenders heading into this season, but a 59-96 record is hard to stomach for fans. Chicago has been near the cellar of the NL Central for the majority of the season. Fortunately, the division rival Houston Astros have the ...
A solid middle infield goes a long way to bringing home a World Series ring. Whether it’s at shortstop or second base, the middle infield is crucial to a team’s success. The New York Yankees have Derek Jeter. The Boston Red Sox have Dustin Pedroia. The Texas Rangers have Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler. The Chicago Cubs have Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro. Castro is known more for his offense, while Barney is a record-setting defensive second baseman. The Cubs will need to rely on their middle infield to get them back to prominence. They have the pieces to do ...
The Chicago Cubs have a solid, young pair of middle infielders with shortstop Starlin Castro and second baseman Darwin Barney. One has already signed a big extension. If the Cubs are smart, the other should soon. The Cubs recently locked up the All-Star Castro to a seven-year, $60-million contract. His partner, Darwin Barney is currently locked into a one-year, $500k deal that expires after this season, according to Spotrac. Barney is one of the more consistent performers in the Cubs' lineup. In 300 career games, he has a .264 batting average and 83 RBI and nine triples. In his first ...
Chicago Cubs fans have gotten too accustomed to the phrase “There’s always next year.” A fanbase that starts each offseason with so much promise and optimism gets sorely disappointed come August.A couple years ago a Cardinals fan asked me if I knew what Cubs stood for. I politely said a cub is a baby bear. She replies, “Cubs stands for completely useless by September.”As offended as I was, I couldn’t help but see the truth in that. The Cubs typically aren’t in the discussion come September.The last time they were was in 2003. We all know how that turned out.This ...
