Chicago Cubs: Rose, Thomas worry about a World Series ‘hangover’ for the Cubs

During the World Series, Chicago Cubs’ fans developed some strong opinions about the cast of the MLB pregame show on Fox. Pete Rose and Frank Thomas each picked the Cubs–even though they may have wavered–but how do they feel about this year’s team?

Depending what station or radio show you’re listening to, there’s a different opinion about this year’s Chicago Cubs. Some believe this team is young and ready to start a dynasty like we haven’t seen in some time. Others feel that the World Series will leave a lingering “hangover” that could cost the Cubs a shot at a repeat.

Fox analysts Frank Thomas and Pete Rose each picked the Cubs from the start–although Rose wavered on his pick after the Cubs went down in the series early on. Thomas showed some concern but stuck with his pick until the end. But how do they feel about the Cubs now that they’re champs? Thomas brought up the fact that they are the “hunted”, even more so than last year.

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"“I just worry about them mentally being fatigued, that’s the only thing I worry about with the Cubs this year,” Thomas said. “They’ve been dynamite the last two years straight and they’re about to turn it up again, but they’re the hunted this time.”"

Cubs already prepared to be hunted

The Cubs already accepted that last season with the “Embrace the Target” motto. But as the defending champs, it’s more than just being a target. You’re public enemy number one in the baseball world. Everybody is looking to knock you off your thrown, even if it took 108 years to get on it. Teams don’t care. Hope it was fun celebrating, but now it’s time to play ball.

Rose, on the other hand, felt like the Cubs could win it again–but probably shouldn’t have won it last year.

"“Emotionally more than anything, because to be honest with you, they shouldn’t have won that World Series,” said Rose."

I mean, let’s be honest here. Rose is right. When the Cubs were down 3 to 1, only the most optimistic of Cubs fans believed we’d win it. We all hoped, but few of us saw it happening.

"“You’ve got a team up on them three games to one with two home games left, Cleveland, and they didn’t beat them. I mean, the Cubs had to feel just overjoyed that they won that World Series. They’re a young team, no question about it, but winning that last year will help them this year.”"

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It will be a different year in so many ways for the Cubs. They’re not just a contender, they’re the defending champs. So many storylines to follow this year. No matter what, it’s going to be a special year for the Cubs.