Chicago Cubs: Tough stretch after success is needed for playoffs

After starting the second half of the season on fire, the Chicago Cubs have struggled of-late. But, this will only help them come postseason time.

It was a thing of beauty. Baseball’s second half of the season started with a bang for the Chicago Cubs. They swept the Baltimore Orioles and the Atlanta Braves, both on the road. Then, the Cubs took two of three from the St. Louis Cardinals, followed by three of four from the crosstown White Sox. Add two more wins against the Milwaukee Brewers, and you a have team making their big move.

The Cubs won 14 of 17 games, overtaking the National League Central lead. Talking-heads were starting to say the Cubs could go deep into the playoffs. Many suggested the Cubs to be the favorite to win it all again. The additions of Jose Quintana, Alex Avila and Justin Wilson solidified the team’s weaker points. All was looking up.

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However, that changed in the series against the Wild Card-leading Arizona Diamondbacks. After winning the first games of the series 16-4, the Cubs lost the next two games. They followed that with a loss to the Washington Nationals.

Just what the team needs

It is hard to get on Twitter during a game in which the Cubs are struggling. On the day of Wilson’s first appearance with the team, fans took to Twitter questioning the trade. Giving up a couple of runs did not help. But then, Wilson came into an inning after Carl Edwards Jr. allowed two walks and did not record an out. That is challenging.

Yes. Quintana threw a stellar game in his first outing. And he’s struggled a bit sense. That is to be expected. Chemistry must be built between a pitcher and catcher. There is work to be done between the all the players to ensure communication is clear.

But, fans are expecting things to go off without a hitch. Does that happen when they walk into a new job right off? “Hey Trevor. Welcome to the company. We heard you earned $1 million in trades in one day. Do that today or you are fired.” That is what it feels like when you watch fans on Twitter.

Need proof? Look at the past

The types of games the Cubs are playing now are needed for success. Working through adversity builds trust, communication and accountability. The fact that the teams they are face now are possibly playoff opponents only makes it better.

Anyone remember the 2015 season? During the second half of the season, the Chicago Cubs won 50 games. That pushed them into the Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the season, the Cubs won the series 11-8. However, in the second half, the two teams tied with five wins each. The Cubs won the wild card game, then beat the Cardinals in the Divisional Round. Of course, the Cardinals won the season series as well.

What about last year when the Los Angeles Dodgers won the season series? It didn’t keep the Cubs from winning the World Series.

Be Patient

A little adversity is not a bad thing. It breeds growth and trust. As of right now, the Cubs are in the hunt of a playoff spot. I have full confidence they will make it just fine. But, I also remember how long ago it was when the team lost 100 games in a season. And all the losing seasons the team has witnessed.

Don’t be the spoiled fan just because the Cubs won the World Series. Or because pundits pick them to win. The regular season means nothing when it comes time for the playoffs. The team needs to play through the tough times.

Next: Evaluating recent trades and how the Cubs fared

And there will be tough times.