The date today is April 19th. By the title of this post you may think I am jumping the gun a bit. I intended on saving my “we stinks” post for a later date. The Cubs play so far this year has warranted its early arrival. As of today the Cubs are 3-9, and in last place in the Central. I firmly expected “we stinks” this year. Unfortunately my expectations have become a reality. Why am I stating the obvious you might ask? My issue is not really that “we stinks”, but in the way “we stinks”.

Right now, “we stinks” for the reasons I hate to “we stinks” for. The bullpen has not been good and we can not score runs. We are tied for last in saves (few wins) and 15th in ERA. Seven quality starts tells us that much of the ERA issue can be attributed to the pen. The Cubs are dead last in the NL in home runs and 13th in RBI’s. Did I mention 14th in slugging? I could give you all the details (not good), but I will save that for the resurgence of Kurt’s scary stats on the podcasts. I don’t care if we hit home runs or have umpteen quality starts. It takes an entire assembled unit or team to win. It just hurts a little more when “we stinks” after holding a lead after seven. It hurts a lot more when “we stinks” after having runners on first and third with no outs and can’t score.

I don’t think anyone can argue against the fact that “we stinks.” We knew as fans going into this season that the results would show “we stinks.” It is going to be a long year for all Cubs fans. But, I see many things that I like about this team. I like the hustle I see out there everyday.

Starlin Castro has been fun to watch. Bryan LaHair has showed some good power and the ability to hit major league pitching. Our starting pitching has been better than anyone could have expected. How about that guy that looks like Ryan Dempster? What about Corey’s favorite golden domer Jeff Samardzija?

I like this team much better than the “we stinks” team we fielded last year. Yes it will be a long year, and yes “we stinks.” But, I have confidence in where this franchise is headed. You have to build from the ground up. It seems that this organization has struggled with that concept, for say 100+ years.

We have some bad eggs and players who are past their prime on this team. They can and will go bye bye. We also have some guys who have a lot of potential and a few quality trade pieces. I will agonize through every “we stinks” minute of this season. I ask of you as fans to not give up quite yet. The organization is moving things in the right direction (even if this years record doesn’t reflect that). We are going to see a better Cubs product. I hope that is next year Cub fans, because right now “we stinks.”

Filed under: Cubs fans, General Baseball, Management, Offense, Relief Pitching, The Cubs