I’ve pretty much stopped following the Cubs. These days it’s a minor league franchise playing with the big boys. The little boys are outclassed and outmatched.
The arrogance of Theo Epstein and the owners of the Chicago Cubs is beyond reckoning. They seem to think that the fans will hang around loyally while they charge us the same ticket price to watch minor leagurers play major league teams.
There used to be a time when the minor leagues were for apprentices, talented young guys who
learned how to field and hit and run. Now, these guys are in the majors making dumb base-running gaffs and swinging at balls already in the catcher’s mitt.
The manager, a dour and clueless former player, relentlessly talks about how he, we, have to have patience with these young players while they learn the craft of baseball. Well, opposing pitchers make the Chicago Cubs look like fools as they flail at pitches outside the strike zone and miss hit-and-run signs like high school kids. Learn how to run in high school! Learn how to hit in the minor leagues!
Who says that the building plan of Mr. Epstein will work? Most players who have potential don’t work out. Felix Pie? Mark Prior? Those that do learn how to play on a team and they learn from seasoned players whom they interact with game after game.
The magic of a team has to involve seasoned players who know how to play at a major league level and engage younger players in the art of winning baseball games. It’s not just teaching and honing individuals until you can insert them into a team.
The Cubs have been in countless building programs over the century of futility. Chicago Cub fans have suffered for long decades but now we are being taken for granted. The owner seems to think that Cub fans will pay to see whatever inept team shows up at Clark and Addison.
I’ve had enough. I love Wrigley Field. I even warm-up to the Chicago Cubs as lovable losers. But, enough is enough. I hate what is being shoved down our throats in 2012: a team made up of kids who should be in Iowa learning how to hit, pitch and play on a team.
I’m not going anymoreChicago Cub games and I’m not watching them, either. Wait! I take that back. I really enjoyed the Little League finals. Great baseball.