What has to happen next year

by Worf on Oct 5, 2008 8:52 AM CDT

Let's assume, for the minute, that the Cubs once again make the playoffs next year. It's not a horrible assumption. Not a given, but also not arrogant to think they will still be among the best REGULAR season teams in the NL.

What has to happen in the playoffs

* They simply must win Game 1, no matter who it is, no matter where it is. This simply must happen. No other team in baseball has a must-win Game 1, but we do. It's unfair, but there it is. Lose Game 1, and all the demons come back.

* Road or home, they have to pretend it's a road game. I do not blame the fans for one minute, but if the players can't deal with the fans, they have to adjust. Go to a hotel. Go to South Bend and commute in. Go somewhere.

* Stop whining about the 5-game series. Shut up and deal people. It ain't changing. The Dodgers, Phillies, Red Sox and Rays all somehow manage to deal. And do you honestly believe we wouldn't be staring at a 3-0 deficit right now if the NLDS was a seven-game series?

* Stick with the primary lineup from the regular season, barring injury. Stick with the same rotation, barring rest and injury. No tinkering around like a twit.

* Scout better. There seems to be a huge scouting deficit between us and the other teams. They know every hole in our swings. We know nothing. The Cubs seem to have no idea what pitcher throws what.

* And if all else fails...tell Soriano and Ramirez the game is at 9 p.m. when it's really at 6 p.m.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

Tweet Comment 5 comments | 1 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

What has to happen?

The roster needs a dramatic overhaul. Trotting out the same team next year will produce the same October results, as it’s evident that Soriano, Ramirez, et al are overrated, non-money players. AS long as they’re the leaders, no amount of tinkering will change things. You honestly think results would be different next year? Ha. Not with these jokers.

by reedjohnson on Oct 5, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions

The same October results?

Not trying to start an argument because I agree with what you’re getting at but if this is the feeling of most that shows you how the collective expectations have changed. For years and years the Cubs didn’t even sniff October and now we’re talking about “the same October results”? The only reason I bring this up is that I think these heightened expectations are why this debacle hurts so much.

To your point though, I don’t really think the team needs an overhaul. But as you rightly point out the team needs leadership — the supposed big guns Soriano and Ramirez were AWOL during the playoffs. I think what this team needs is an impact bat, one of those guys who by sheer force of his will drives the team to win. The Cubs had a good regular season but was there one guy who you could say the opponents feared? No. That’s what the Cubs need, IMHO.

by jking79 on Oct 5, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Would That We Could Get Pete Rose In His Prime....

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Oct 5, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Hell, let's get him now

He can use an assumed name and wear a disguise and would still be more clutch than we had the last 4 days.

Tommie Agee was out.

by Weeghman Park on Oct 5, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

i want everyone out

soriano, lee, ramirez, all of them. Build young around soto and the pitching staff. This group of guys will never win, much like the current make up of the mets. I say trade for young talent and build from there. Or else we will turn into the yankees

Dinosaurs? "Didn't exist. You can't say there were dinosaurs when you never saw them." -Carl Everett

by NDcubsfan on Oct 5, 2008 11:50 AM CDT reply actions