So It Ends
The NLDS did not end the way I’d hoped. I grew so frustrated that I was flipping channels and eventually went to watch it on the computer readout rather than see it unfold on the TV. All those men left on base. Soriano not hitting much of anything and Ramirez waving at pitches like he was a homecoming queen in a parade. I think this proved the fact that there is no “curse.” The Cubs just did not play very good baseball the first week of October.
My sincere hope is that, with Lou, things have finally come to a point where the team will have several winning seasons in a row and consistently make the playoffs.
I think that with new ownership (whoever that may be) coming in over the winter will be a good thing. I believe that having a face attached with ownership will bring accountability. If the Cubs repeat their futility for more than a few more years, I think the new ownership will be best by fans with torches and pitchforks.
Since 2003, you have seen a groundswell – a change – in the attitude of Cubs fans. We still love our team passionately, but there are now expectations. Put simply, we are sick of losing. This isn’t the bandwagon fans talking either. This is the fans who lived through the awful late ’70’s teams, the doldrums of the 90’s, and the roller-coaster 80’s that was sandwiched in between.
Cub fans will take what they have – 2007 National League Central Division Champions – and hope it is an indication of better things to come.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
“My sincere hope is that, with Lou, things have finally come to a point where the team will have several winning seasons in a row and consistently make the playoffs.”
I was thinking about this last night as I listened to the game. You could be onto something.
This Cubs team on paper looked quite a bit better than last year’s Cardinals team. What matters is getting hot at the right time. If you get to the playoffs more often, your odds vastly improve.
I have had to endure some pretty miserable post-season play by the Cards, but there have been some glorious moments, too. And the best teams haven’t always been the world champs.
I was a bit surprised at the venom Cubs fans inflicted on the team after Saturday’s loss, though. I understand it, but I’m not sure it’s helpful. One thing that might help is if fans stayed away from Wrigley Field. That tends to send a message.
A lot depends the new owners, of course.
I couldn’t be more ecstatic. No more stupid live shots from bars on the news at night. No more stories about how stores are selling playoff gear. No more shots of ebay and the stupid, outrageous price losers pay for playoff tickets.
I’m pretty sure I called a three game sweep in a previous post.
Did your mother not love you enough, Ryan? You sure are an angry child. Is there anything you like? Does anything pique your interest besides your own disdain for life in general?
[...] The Florida Times Union wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThe NLDS did not end the way I’d hoped. I grew so frustrated that I was flipping channels and eventually went to watch it on the computer readout rather than see it unfold on the TV. [...]