Worried, impressive, optimistic: here's how Cubs fans are feeling 50 games in

One would think that, despite powering through the toughest schedule any team will face in a single month to start the season, the Chicago Cubs still being in control of first place in the National League Central would inspire some confidence. But instead of a resounding chorus of excitement, when we asked fans how they were feeling earlier this week - it was a very mixed bag.

There were fans who were quite thrilled with how the season has started. But on the heels of Daniel Palencia's blown save in the series opener against Miami Monday night, one theme emerged time and time again: spend and address the glaring late-inning problem before it's too late.

There's no doubt about it: Cubs fans are ready to be hurt again

One response drew more than 150 reactions from followers: "Could be best team in MLB if our bullpen wasn't sooo unreliable." Another popular comment read as follows: "If the bullpen stays as it is, it will be heartbreak hotel."

Jed Hoyer, you there? Yet again, the fanbase is desperate for a proven answer in the ninth inning - and, no, signing guys in the back half of their 30s who had success years ago doesn't constitute a legitimate solution, either. We tried that with Hector Neris last year - and you'd think there was a lesson to be learned there, but if there was, Hoyer and Carter Hawkins must have missed class that day.

Apart from the repeated calls to fix the bullpen, there were numerous asks for rotation reinforcements, especially in light of losing Justin Steele for the rest of the season and knowing it will be 'well into June' before Shota Imanaga returns.

Anyone not focused on pointing out the team's obvious flaw in the pen seemed to be feeling quite optimistic - and there were even a number of fans who, while positive in their response, noted that feeling hinged on what moves the team made between now and the trade deadline.

As of Wednesday night, Fangraphs pegged the Cubs' chances at winning the division at 71.3 percent and making the postseason at 78.1 percent, the latter of which were the third-highest odds in the National League behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets. But it's hard to envision a scenario where those numbers stay at that level without multiple impact moves in the next two or so months.

Perhaps it's a result of falling back into a pattern of disappointment for the better part of a decade. But Cubs fans seem to have settled back into old habits: they're frustrated at clear flaws on the roster, but holding onto optimism where and when they can - in hopes their beloved team can make those badly-needed moves and make a deep run into October come the fall.