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| Anthony Rizzo celebrating with fans after clinching a playoff spot in 2015 |
With what has been one of the most successful and memorable season as a Chicago Cubs fan, October is right around the corner. The Cubs magic number is now down to 3 to clinch the NL Central & lock up that playoff spot. Even with all the pressure on them this season, dating way back to January, that didn't stop them from going out on that field every day and proving themselves. "Never permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure.", as Joe Maddon said it best.
Even being the best team in all of baseball, come October that record goes away and it's a new ball game for that month. Anything can happen. There are a few things the Cubs need to work on and do in October to be successful and have that long curse come to an end.
1. RISP: The Cubs no doubt have the best lineup in all of baseball. Even with Jason Heyward struggling at the plate this whole year, that hasn't stopped the Cubs from putting up a league leading run differential of 227 runs. But I would be lying if I said we always come through in scoring positions. That's been some what of a struggle; not getting those runners across to home. Addison Russell this season has done a tremendous job delivering in big clutch moments. Come October they really need to eliminate the strikeouts with men in scoring position and drive those runs in.
2. Young Struggles: In 2015, the young power hitting stars on this Cubs team had a look at what the post season looked like for the first time. They weren't facing the Atlanta Braves starting rotation, they were & will be facing the top throwers in the league. Just last year Anthony Rizzo batted a .188 while Kris Bryant followed and batted a .176 in the post season. Those two in particular really need to start off hot and carry on what they have done in the regular season to the playoffs. There's no doubt in my mind if they follow through with their MVP like seasons in the post season, This Cubs team will be set offensively.
3. Resting Guys: Joe Maddon has done a tremendous job this season with giving guys rest. The Cubs are so deep within positional players they have the ability to give those every day guys rest. I think a big part of last years NLCS bust was because guys just got worn out. You could see Arrieta becoming human again while pitching. He just got worn out. Well Joe has been giving guys off days regularly and making sure come October his team is rested. Even with going to that 6 man pitching rotation as of late, he is making sure his pitchers aren't over doing anything. That will be KEY moving forward next month.
4. Beating Themselves: The Chicago Cubs record speaks for itself. They are, no doubt, the most complete team and the best team in all of baseball. Their offense is unbelievable & their defense is one of the more underrated things about this team. They have a league leading 75 defensive runs saved as a group. With what the Cubs have done in the past 144 games, it's hard to bet against them in any type of series. They will beat themselves before another team beats them.
This is a team for the ages on the North Side of Chicago. This is a very rare and special year for the players, owners, and all of the fans around the world representing that blue and red. It's going to be a fun post season and hopefully one that will bring the Cubs to a long over due championship. Are you ready, Cubs fans?
