Realistic Thread

[CubinNY]

Realistically, I think the Cubs should be pretty happy to be at .600 with no Prior, no Wood, and Lee missing 30% of the games. This topped by the fact that we have had some utterly craptacular performances from Rusch and Williams. Not to mention the fact that Z hasn't notched a win (though he certainly seems to be rounding into form). We are also hitting well with runners in scoring position and seem to be drawing some walks.

 

Now, we have also managed to accomplish this record with Pierre and Jones stinking it up, among other issues, like a brutal bench. Also, we haven't played the world's best teams (though 4-2 vs. St. Louis is nice).

 

We are going to need Prior and Wood to help cross the bridge to getting Derrek Lee back. The sunshine pumpers and the nervous nellies both need to chill a little. If this team can stay at .500/.550 until we get all the men back, we'll be in it. The division won't stay this strong.

 

I realistically agree. I was hoping for a .500 record after the Brewers series and even if they get swept, Vinshu forbid, they will be one game over.

[SouthSideRyan]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

 

No, the Reds are horrible.

[rocket]

the cubs are just as likely to fall from grace from their ultra hot start as the reds are.

 

I disagree 100%. We have much stronger pitching and a MUCH better bullpen. Offense hits slumps

 

so do bullpens.

 

i agree the reds will fall from grace. but i think the cubs are likely to fall from grace too, they've had a lot of good luck so far.

[Monco]

Definately need more better bench. Restovich,Hairston,Bynum ugh. Hairston seems like a guy that will put up useless stats. He'll get hits when it don't matter. His baserunning brings back memories of Alou and Patterson.

[wolf stansson]

The Brewers and Astros are not a threat.

How is that realistic? Realistically, the Brewers and Astros are better than the Cubs w/out Lee, Wood, and Prior. If that weren't the case, you probably would have finished higher than them each of the last two years.

[Monco]

The Brewers and Astros are not a threat.

How is that realistic? Realistically, the Brewers and Astros are better than the Cubs w/out Lee, Wood, and Prior. If that weren't the case, you probably would have finished higher than them each of the last two years.

Thats true.Without those 3 I believe we are not being viewed as a threat by others.

[abuck1220]

The Reds, Brewers and Astros are not a threat.

 

how can the astros, a team that went to the world series last year and are off to a great start in 2006, not be considered a threat? and the brewers finished ahead of a cubs team that had an entire (not to mention ridiculous) season from derrek lee.

 

i think some people forget that the cubs finished in fourth place in 2005.

[AI]

The Reds, Brewers and Astros are not a threat.

 

how can the astros, a team that went to the world series last year and are off to a great start in 2006, not be considered a threat? and the brewers finished ahead of a cubs team that had an entire (not to mention ridiculous) season from derrek lee.

 

i think some people forget that the cubs finished in fourth place in 2005.

 

I think a lot of positive energy comes from winning already winning 3 games when we were down after the 7th. I think this team has a different attitude than last year's and while its may not be statistically significant, I do think it counts for something. Its a long season and if guys feel like late in the game when they're down that the game is over, its going to have an affect.

 

We, as fans, focus much more critically on the team's shortcomings than the players do. I guarantee you that the guys in the clubhouse think that Jacque Jones and Juan Pierre are good players who will round into form, while we can look at competent statistical analysis that tells us that is highly unlikely.

 

Basically, from a player's perspective, what I am saying is don't discount the power of positive thinking.

 

 

Now that I reread this, it pretty much has nothing to do with your post, abuck. I hope a point is made anyway.

 

Good luck on your exams.

[biittner77]

The Reds are a threat until their pitching caves in. Who can say exactly when that will happen? The Nationals last year hung around the NL East race for most of the season before finally falling apart. If the Reds are still hanging around by the deadline they may decide to make a run for it.

 

The Astros have about the same chance of winning the division as the Cubs.

[Soul]

Bad things:

 

1) Derek Lee out. No replacement of note.

 

2) Neifi gets more play time because of #1.

 

3) Pierre can't take a walk apparently.

 

4) Jacque Jones is the new AGone. K,K,K,K, 3-R homer. If the homers dry up, you've got nothing more than a K machine killing the lineup.

 

5) Rusch sucks. No elaboration needed.

 

6) Aardmsa is borderline, Wuertz still makes me nervous.

 

7) Mabry looks done to me. Is he our only power option off the bench? That's terrible.

 

8. Prior & Wood still aren't back. Once again, it was supposed to be April, then May, now maybe June? Ridiculous. Prior needs to learn how to not be such a baby and play with a little pain. You're a starting pitcher, Mark. Sometimes your arm is going to be sore, get over it. Woody needs to get his act together and quit shredding his arm because his mechanics are junk. Hendry apparently just told them exactly the same. About freaking time.

 

 

See the optimistic thread for my opto-points (just pointing it out for those who say "oh Soul is always 100% negative")