The Cubs Are Far More Predictable Than We Think

by BeltwayCubsFan on Aug 25, 2009 4:28 PM CDT

There has been a great deal of frustration this season over the seemingly inconsistent and unpredictable offense and, as much as that broader inconsistency in just overall good play (baserunning, fielding, managing, etc.). I would argue that the Cubs have in fact been VERY predictable and consistent. Look at the numbers:

Over the past 3 months, the Cubs are 12-26 against teams that currently have a winning record, they are 29-15 against sub .500 teams over that same period. They beat up on bad teams, in large part by riding their consistent starting pitching and superior payroll investment and talent to overcome underperformance. They have shown they cannot compete consistently with good teams or hit off of good pitchers.

The point of this is in some ways similar to Mariotti's point in his column today - the Cubs go into a stretch playing a bunch of bad teams and, if recent history is any guide, they will probably win 2/3 of these games. It doesn't mean they are a better team than they were a month ago, or any better positioned for the playoffs. It simply means the current 2009 Chicago Cubs are a mediocre performing team that is better than the small market teams who can't land anyone of significance but nowhere near the vicinity of consistently beating the league's elite teams.

A betting man (or woman) should love the Cubs, they have in fact been one of the most predictable teams in the league all year.

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.

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I place my finger on my mouse...

and now click off this.

I would sleep with Blou if it meant the Cubs would win a WS. by Doggie Stalker on Aug 22, 2009 4:11 PM EDT

by cubsluver22 on Aug 25, 2009 4:30 PM CDT reply actions

Anyone who reads Mariotti’s work… must be a masochist

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 25, 2009 4:33 PM CDT reply actions

this idea of cubsb eating sub.500 teams is both new and interesting

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 4:34 PM CDT reply actions

I wish there were a newsletter, I would subscribe.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions

And you're a sunshine pumper.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions

"overcome underperformance"

wow

by TC Cubby on Aug 25, 2009 4:36 PM CDT reply actions

That's t-shirt worthy right there.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 25, 2009 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions

anyone see Gordo tweeted todays line up yet

that about predictable LOL

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 25, 2009 4:49 PM CDT reply actions

ryan leading off makes me cry

Theriot is not clutch, he's double clutch!

by jesus christos on Aug 25, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions

ARGH!

I need a game thread to start talkking about baseball!!

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 4:50 PM CDT reply actions

hey, the responses to the thread were even more predictable than the Cubs

smarmy little responses from the same old sunshine pumpers who ripped on anyone two months ago who dared to criticize the team. “It’s too early!” “they’ll come around.” The fact is that some of us with intelligence could see this team was a mess, and they are having the same problems now they did back in May – some of us were actually able to step away from being blinded fans and do a realistic assessment of the product on the field. You guys be sure to turn the lights off when you finally come around on Oct. 2.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Aug 25, 2009 4:58 PM CDT reply actions

This is a good way to bring about professional dialogue, you're right.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Aug 25, 2009 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Well

it overcome the underperformance of the smarmy sunshine pumpers, that’s for sure

by TC Cubby on Aug 25, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions

how does one become a smarmy sunshine pumper?

by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 25, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions

You don't BECOME a smarmy sunshine pumper.

You must be BORN a smarmy sunshine pumper.

by Flatley on Aug 25, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

No, no, no. Get over yourself.

We’re just sick of “I told you so” rants like this reminding us of how unsuccessful this team has been. We know. We get it. We watch the games, too. Can you just let it go and let us enjoy the rest of the season for what it’s worth? Thanks.

I've committed to tweeting about the Cubs for the rest of the season. (Does that sound as ridiculous as I think it does?) Anyway, if you're on Twitter, you can follow me here.

by daver on Aug 25, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs