How could one accurately say they KNOW they are not? But yet you are saying just that. All I know is the pressure on the Cubs is a) different, and b) probably greater than that faced by a "typical" team/player. You don't know either of those things. Sorry to break everyone's hearts, but most players couldn't care less about the history of the Cubs and what winning a title would mean to Cubs fans. To the extent that the players are reminded of it by the media, and having to answer questions about it, then yes it can and probably does add to their stress or pressure or whatever. If nothing else it's a distraction. It might be even worse to have to listen to the stupid curse talk over & over again when you don't give a damn. Well yeah, I find it really annoying, but I wouldn't say it's distracting me.