Due Caution Must Be Observed

I hate to bring a figurative bout of depression to the rampart surrounding the Cub’s success thus far in the 2008 season. But I believe that due caution should be exercised in regard to their success. Yes, as I’m sure you have heard, the Cubs have the best record in baseball as of today, with 36 wins and 21 losses. Evidently, this is the first time since 1908, the last time that the organization won the World Series, in which they have had the best record in the league going into June. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But as Lou Pinella said, it really does not matter right now. If this was the last week of the season and they had the best record, well, yes then, it would matter. I do not want to bring up the subject of curses and such, as I do not believe in such matters. Within the context of this season though, it should be noted that there are 105 games left. A baseball season is incredibly long and during that time all teams go through strings of great successes and struggles. But what makes a great team in baseball is a team that maintains consistency throughout those successes and struggles.

The Cubs have a long road ahead, as a vast majority of their games will be on the road after the all-star break. Even in June, they only have 9 games at the “Friendly Confines,” a place where they have proven to be rather formidable thus far. The key to a successful season for the Cubs will be winning on the road as well. Granted, much of the hype thus far has to do with the national media attention that the organization is receiving in regard to not winning a World Series in 100 years if they do not win it this year. I know that there are masses out there rooting for them to “win it all” this year and I am one of them.

But with that said, I wouldn’t start placing my bets just quite yet...