Chicago Cubs: Five reasons to believe in this team’s playoff chances

Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

I’ll admit, I’m forever the optimist when it comes to the Chicago Cubs. I’ve mentioned that more than once here, and I realize it’s easy to get excited when thing go well, same as getting down when they aren’t. After getting swept by baseball’s worst in the Philadelphia Phillies (not the case anymore), I wondered if the joyride was over before it began. That will be the last time I doubt anything that’s going on in Chicago.

Watching meaningful baseball in August on the North Side hasn’t happened in a while so it’s been strange–but most of us are getting quite used to it. I went to the Cardinal series in July. I haven’t felt Wrigley like that since 2004. So what’s the secret formula? What’s happening in Chicago?

If you aren’t fully onboard yet, I’ve got five good reasons why you should be. Many of these are obvious, some are not, but they’re all legitimate reasons why the Cubs are in the race–and why you should believe they will remain in it.

Next: No. 5: Theo & Co.'s 'Plan'