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Chicago Cubs will stay calm, cool in the eye of the storm this month
The Chicago Cubs ability to stay cool, calm and collected will serve them well as they weather a perfect storm of travel, weariness and injuries this month.
“Try not to suck.” “Do simple better.” “Embrace the target.” “Don’t let the pressure exceed the pleasure.”
Joe Maddon has long been criticized and questioned for his antics, psychology, charm, “Maddonisms” and what many view as questionable in-game decisions. That being said, generally he’s lauded for his ability to keep a clubhouse loose and focused on one game at a time. Often, what makes fans crazy and, well, fanatical, is something the players aren’t even thinking or feeling. That’s a testament to both Maddon and the leaders in the clubhouse and an ability to tune out the noise.
The Chicago skipper has brought in animals, hosts dress-up plane rides, themed road trips, and never relies on hot takes. He isn’t quick to push the panic button, and he won’t start now. He also won’t let his players push it. Neither will Anthony Rizzo, Jon Lester, Jason Heyward or even newcomer Cole Hamels. Despite being mired in 30 straight days of baseball, the Cubs won’t let a couple losses or a slump keep them down or change their game plan.
Chicago Cubs: Fans in full-blown panic mode right now
In the midst of the pennant race, the Cubs have lost what was once a five-game lead in the division and now are staring at a Brewers club directly in their rearview mirror after dropping another head-to-head series. With only one game separating the clubs in the standings, irrational cliffjumpers are out in full force, calling for Joe’s head, a trade of Ian Happ, a benching of Willson Contreras and for the Ricketts to sell the team.
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Everyone take a chill pill. The Brewers are really hot right now. The Cubs are in a little slump. It happens. And, with 17 games left and one game separating the clubs (two in the loss column), fans are starting to panic.
The thing is, a lot can happen in 17 games. If the Cubs go 10-7 in the next 17, which would be about normal or even conservative based on their season to date, they’d finish at 94-68. The Brewers would have to go 10-5 in their last 15 to tie us.
While it’s entirely possible they could continue to stay hot through the rest of the season, we know teams generally undulate in the standings and with their play throughout the season. It’s also possible they go 5-10 given the law of averages and “baseball.”
It’s also entirely possible that Kris Bryant gets hot, (he has been hitting and almost found some power last night as his ball hit the wire on the top of the fence) Anthony Rizzo stays hot and Daniel Murphy returns to form after a week of struggles (followed by a nice intro in a Cubs uni). Maybe our relievers return to form (OK, this one is less likely in the midst of 30 straight days of baseball- sorry!) and Kyle Schwarber hits a majestic game-winning bomb over the scoreboard in his return to the lineup on Friday against a team he has killed early in his career. (For now, he’s hanging out in Chicago waiting for his comrades to come back from D.C.)
Chicago Cubs: Having trust in the skipper
Why is all of this possible, and even likely? Joe keeps things loose, and these guys don’t get tight. They know that it’s about today’s game, every single day. Don’t look ahead, don’t look behind. Need proof of their looseness and goofiness?
Check out Anthony Rizzo on the plane last night after a loss and in the middle of a return flight to Washington that has caused everyone consternation the past few days. He’s wearing his jersey. He’s ready to go. He’s being a goof. These guys all follow his lead, and if that picture is worth a 1000 words, you’re reading them: The Cubs are fine and they’re ready to go. Hopefully, he’s wearing a dirty jersey on the plane ride back to Chicago tonight.
Next. Kris Bryant in center field... maybe.. dark
These guys are really good baseball players and they’re a really good team. Don’t be surprised if they remind you of this fact over the next 17 days. Cliffjumpers be damned.