Chicago Cubs: What constitutes a successful season in 2018?

Chicago Cubs: Some negatives, even more positives for this team

We don’t have a closer or even a backup closer right now.  Our bullpen is running on empty. The offense is hit-or-miss most nights. However, what we do have is a rotation that has been lights-out in since the addition of Cole Hamels, and when you have starting pitching and defense, you can win some games in the playoffs if you just hit a little bit.

So, while the season has already been a success from a rational standpoint, there’s nothing wrong with expecting another trip to the NLCS and hoping Pedro Strop comes back healthy, the rotation is lights out, and the shuffling of swingman Mike Montgomery back to the pen rejuvenates a gassed bullpen.

There’s nothing wrong with expecting greatness, hoping for success, and laying a new set of plans when your old ones go awry.

Just remember, though: at the end of the day, the Cubs’ season has been a success and this team has won over 400 games the past four seasons. Don’t take it for granted and enjoy the fact we are even talking about baseball in October.