#99

It's August 19 and the lead in the National League Central is six games. In Chicago this ought to be good news, based on projections for this current season. However it is not the Chicago Cubs running away with the division, rather the St. Louis Cardinals. The red birds have out done the Cubs all year round, both on and off the field. Due to this it is now time to take this trick, the Cubs, and throw them under the bus.

After the last season ended in Los Angeles with the Dodgers celebrating their sweep, I was one of the few fans proclaiming the season a success. My stance, these guys need to crawl before they can walk. Sure there is a 100 year title drought, but I believed it was important to establish a dynasty. I was hoping for a run similar to that of the Atlanta Braves versus either of the Florida Marlins title seasons. It was the first time in a long time the Cubs made the post-season in back to back years. Now with a few additions to the roster in 2009 the Cubs should/could continue their winning ways.

But there is a reason why we play the games and that is being put on center stage in how these Cubs have played. The additions Milton Bradley and Kevin Gregg have been utter disappointments. Bradley has as many RBI as Ryan Theriot and Gregg can not save a game. Out $100 million man, Alfonso Soriano, is hitting .250 with 20 home runs (7 came in the first 2 weeks). Aramis Ramirez, Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly have been good but have missed entirely too many games with injuries.

This post is a declaration of the end, as a fan I am waving the white flag. I will watch a few games from here on out but with zero expectations. This year was/is a year to be forgotten, the players have no performed and the general manager did and has not made the best moves to put the Cubs in the driver seat. So a couple months earlier than normal, here is the Cubs unofficial slogan, 'Wait 'til next year!'