GuyA

They had the third best run differential, had a predicted W/L of 95 wins vs 89W reality. So on some level the total is less than the sum of the parts. That's not success. That's hard to explain especially since it is a virtual repeat of 2025 with 96W predicted 92W reality. Bad manager? Bad GM? Bad luck? I'm inclined to think it is because they insist on going into the season with an incomplete team and revamping it at the trading deadline for better or worst just because they can. Also very weird choices for playoffs.

Of course, Assad is missing. If the Cubs start the playoffs on the road in San Diego, it is worth a wonder if Assad had been used more frequently and in other than blow outs they might have squeezed out one more win. But the pitchers "trending" toward being merely bad needed their innings......

Don't disagree with anything in the article but I do have a question. What heinous crime against God and nature did Alexander Canario commit to not even be an after thought when discussing call ups? He's 24, two years younger than Busch, in his limited time in the majors, getting limited PAs at odd moments he has a .870+ OPS (137 OPS+), he has a .900+ OPS at AAA and has had solid .840+ OPS the two previous years. He can play CF and steal bases. He doesn't appear to have a cool nickname but that seems to be his biggest flaw. On a related note, why hasn't Davis played in two weeks but isn't on the IL?