Just a few days ago, I have witnessed and began thinking about something I never thought would ever enter my mind. This past Saturday, I saw the Cubs get swept in the first round playoffs against the Dodgers. Now, to some of you, this may be just the usual deal; the Cubs have choked once more. I would have thought the same way as well before, but this time it’s different. I mean, this whole year for the Cubs reminded me of the year the White Sox had back in 2005; they were winning, a lot, everything was going their way, and they were in first place practically from the start of the season and didn’t look back. By the time the end of the season had arrived, I really began to think that this would be the year the Cubs finally would put it off, do something that no one would ever thought they could ever do again, win the World Series. Their playability on the field was sharp, the pitching staff perfect, and the hitting came when it counted, all the ingredients for a victorious season. Then, once they got into the playoffs, the team that everyone saw all through the season was not there, literally. The first game was a Dempster disaster, I don’t think he even lasted to the fifth inning for a first game loss for the Cubs. Then, the second game was even worse! I mean, the Cubs began to look like little leaguers on the field, there were four errors in one inning, and Zambrano couldn’t keep his pitches out of the stands. And finally, the third game was a great pitching duel, but the Cubs couldn’t manage to get the hits they sorely needed. As a result, the Cubs get swept in the playoffs for the second consecutive time. It was strange to see it too, being the Cubs lead the National League in wins with ninety-seven victories, the majority of the team had playoff experience from the previous season, and they were playing against a team that had some troubles throughout the year and barely reaching the .500 mark. So what happened to the Cubbies, those lovable losers that everyone and their grandmother wanted to see win the World Series that now has been one hundred years since they actually did win it. I cannot explain what had happened to the Cubs, but I will tell you this, the Cubs are truly cursed. I mean, I couldn’t believe it seeing them play in the playoffs like a last place team, it was practically classic Cub play with all the errors, bad pitching, and poor hitting. The White Sox, however, came into the playoffs by the skin of their teeth, having to play a one game playoff against the Minnesota Twins for the division. Now, I can tell you all the things the White Sox did wrong; pitching not strong enough and not going down the stretch, long ball hitting replacing the small ball tactics, and not enough speed on the base paths. I mean, I was surprised they got into the playoffs, and then play against a team that did all the opposite the White Sox did made them look just stupid. The White Sox must adjust back to the small ball tactics they had back in 2005 if they want to gain more success in the post season. As for the Cubs, well, even a priest coming into Wrigley Field to bless them for a victory couldn’t prevent them from getting a win in the post season. So Chicago will have to wait for another to see a crosstown classic, which I don’t know if I want to be near Chicago when that happens being that people will be getting killed. That series will turn baseball into a soccer hooligan match, seriously! But, until that day comes, Cub fans will have to resort to saying what they have been saying for one hundred years now, there’s always next year.
