Article: It is the Hope that Kills Us

[CandidCubs]

In an offseason that has had a roller coaster of emotions, Cub Spring Training isn't hitting the same way I thought it would.

Image courtesy of © Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

I have counted down the days until Pitchers and Catchers since I was a kid. I have tried so many different sports and activities to keep me distracted over the variable length of time between the last Cubs game and the rebirth of hope in February. It went faster for a stretch of hyper-competitive Cubs teams that have raised the bar of my fandom and have forever altered my perception on what Cubs baseball is to me.

Like an explosion in the quietest of nights, the Cubs landed Craig Counsell to replace David Ross at the start of this offseason. I remember the hectic morning and complete shock as the new rolled in. This wasn't just a surprise to the fandom; it was a surprise to the media. As the days passed after the announcement, the legend of Jed Hoyer (and his silence) grew. If Jed could pull off such a move, what else could he keep secret?

I look to this moment as the place where my fanaticism intersected with speculation and delusion. I dreamed up deals that could get done, scoffed at other teams who whispered the words "Shohei Ohtani", and felt my team had this super-powered silent assassin. 

As Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and others signed with the Dodgers and little detail of Jed's pursuits continued to come out, I found irrational cynicism waiting for me. What is Jed doing? Is the silence work, or are thoughts of high-end payroll targets truly a pipe dream? The reports shared by baseball pundits as the ink dried on megadeals for one now obscenely talented California team did not bring comfort, or clarity on the Cubs involvement. 

Cubs Convention was soon here, and the "Cody, Cody, Cody" chants led by players and even spurred on by Jed brought a renewed sense of optimism. Shota Imanaga signed; he had been stationed in Chicago almost without a soul knowing. The silent assassin lived again.

The questions and dreams filled my mind once more. Will they move Christopher Morel for young, controllable pitching? Maybe Matt Chapman being available has shifted the market price, making that move non-viable. Well, it would only be logical for the Cubs to wait for Chapman to sign before you make that type of move. 

That is what this offseason has been. A series of waiting on what has felt like empty promises. This roster was one game away from postseason contention last year, but they do not feel like they have improved. However, there are still players available. The tune changes with Bellinger back in the fold. Landing Bellinger "and"--and Chapman? And Jordan Montgomery? So much is still, technically, possible--moves the needle in a division that is not strong. The farm can be used to supplement at the deadline.

There is still so much hope. But as Ted Lasso has taught me: "It is the hope that kills you."

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[Guest234]

The eventual outcome is that Craig Counsell, after his promotion, will hire the next Cubs manager following Hoyer and his posse being ejected due to middling results demanded by ownership. Thanks Poppa Joe.

[Sammy Sofa]

Nothing irrational about the cynicism.

[CandidCubs]

I think there is a larger dynamic we are not privy too, and I get leaving spots for the youngsters. However, there are clear holes at 1B and 3B that are addressed by a strange platoon mix currently. Theo seemed so in front and communicative, where Jed has a different style. 

There is a version of this season with a slightly worse record that can be defined in some ways as a success. However, I thought the end of the year comments signaled pushing forward. 

[Guest234]

Jed is on a short leash in terms of deploying resources to win, but we (the fan base) do not know whether turning a profit is of equal value to winning the world series for the owners.

[Stratos]

2 hours ago, Guest234 said:

Jed is on a short leash in terms of deploying resources to win, but we (the fan base) do not know whether turning a profit is of equal value to winning the world series for the owners.

Oh I think I can answer that question.

[Stratos]

Baseball teams sell hope.  That's really their business.  Fans need to believe, or they won't show up.  If Ricketts doesn't give us a good team to root for it's just no as fun.  83 wins isn't good enough.

[CubinNY]

On 2/15/2024 at 9:58 AM, CandidCubs said:

I think there is a larger dynamic we are not privy too, and I get leaving spots for the youngsters. However, there are clear holes at 1B and 3B that are addressed by a strange platoon mix currently. Theo seemed so in front and communicative, where Jed has a different style. 

There is a version of this season with a slightly worse record that can be defined in some ways as a success. However, I thought the end of the year comments signaled pushing forward. 

Jed is betting on his development team to produce the next good Cubs team. He will tinker around with some stuff. They got their big acquisition for the next few years in Swanson, but the team is going to rise or fall based on the farm products. 

[CandidCubs]

On 2/20/2024 at 10:38 AM, CubinNY said:

Jed is betting on his development team to produce the next good Cubs team. He will tinker around with some stuff. They got their big acquisition for the next few years in Swanson, but the team is going to rise or fall based on the farm products. 

 

I think this is fair. I think they are trying to get a better floor for the farm system and try not to bottom out when they emptied the cupboard to address needs after 2016.