October 1, 2014: October Baseball

That title is like a sick joke here in Chicago.  With both teams finishing with identical 73-89 records, we were both a long way off.  Some teams are still playing, and last night, on the last night of September, Oakland and KC reminded us how exciting playoff baseball can be… and how much I miss it.

With the matchup of Lester and Shields, we were watching 2 guys who could be potentially pitching here next year.  Both teams could use starting pitching help, and these guys fit the bill.  I’m convinced that Lester is coming to the Cubs based on the Theo history, but I’d be OK with Shields too.  Do the Sox get the other guy?  With the Sox clearing up some cap space, and the Cubs saving their money like a squirrel does acorns lately, both teams are primed to land some big free agents.

The game last night had all the drama needed for an entire playoff series, NOT just one game.  There was the Royals manager pulling his starter out too early, and paying for it.  There was the As blowing a 7-3 lead in the 8th inning.  There was the Royals tying it in the bottom of the 9th thanks to a blown save.  There was extra innings with the As scoring 1 in the 12th, only to be answered with 2 in the bottom by the Royals, all after one out.  There were sacrifice bunts, stolen bases, wild pitches… you name it, it happened last night.  Are you ready to take that roller coaster ride again here in Chicago?  How close are we to getting back on that ride?

I’d love to discuss the chances of the Sox going forward with as much detail as the Cubs, but I just can’t, so let’s get that out of the way.  Before thinking about Sox 2015, they said goodbye to one of the all-time Sox, Paul Konerko.  As a Cub fan, I can honestly say, Paul Konerko didn’t bother me.  He was one of the few recent Sox players that I liked.  He had an unbelievable career that was topped off with a World Series ring.  He deserves all of the accolades that the Sox will give him, as he rides into the sunset.  He was ready, wasn’t he?  Congrats on the great career Paulie, and enjoy your retirement.  I’m sure the Sox will be arranging for your return for the 10 year anniversary party next year…

2005 seems like such a long time ago.  Yes, not as long as 1908, but it does seem like those 10 years flew by.  Will the Sox be in contention 10 years later?  Sox fans feel free to chime in.  I’m sure there is a good plan being discussed, but it’s not being sold as much or as loud as the Cubs plan.  Is that a bad thing?  No, as long as there is a solid plan in place; how you feeling about next year Sox fans?  As mentioned above, the good thing is there are some salaries coming off the books.  I’m expecting the Sox to be active in the free agent market.  Sale and Abreu aren’t going anywhere any time soon.. it’s just ashamed more than 1.6 million people didn’t get out to the park to see them this year.  But there’s always next year…

And that leads us perfectly to the Cubbies.  Is next year really the year?  Well, maybe.  I honestly feel like they will be in the picture.  They finished 15 games out of the wild card game this year.  So, regardless of the progression of the plan, that’s nothing to sneeze at.  Even if they were to finish .500, which I think is a real possibility, they would have still been 7 games short based on this year’s standings.  What I like is the progression in each year of the Theo regime… From 61 to 66 to 73 wins, we are definitely headed in the right direction.  Another similar jump in wins, gets us to that .500 mark, but that still is not enough to get in the playoffs.  What else has to happen?
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Well, like the Sox, the Cubs will be active in the free agent market… they’d better be.  I mentioned the guy I want:  Jon Lester.  With Shields, Max Scherzer and Cole Hamels all possibilities, the Cubs should definitely get in on one…or two?!?!  With the Theo-Lester history, I really like our chances with him, however, if that doesn’t happen, one of the above mentioned guys needs to be pitching half of his games in Wrigley next year.  If the Cubs cannot get a top pitcher on the free agent market, .500 may be the best we can do.  If we can score one or more of these guys, that’s one way to make up those other 7 games.

The arrival of Kris Bryant will be happening in April… I think it’s the 3rd week of April that his arrival will be delayed to so the Cubs will get another year of control over him, and I’m fine with that.  I like the idea I read the other day about acquiring Russell Martin at catcher.  A veteran, a leader, and someone who can handle the pitching staff would be a nice pickup.  With the surprise emergence of Coghlan this year, the starting lineup appears set.  It will finally be more than just Castro & Rizzo, but will it be enough?

Both sides of town could only hope for someone like the “other guy” who retired this year:  Derek Jeter.  I’m far from a Yankee fan, but this guy was all-time all the way.  It was great to see how he ended his career in Yankee Stadium with a walk-off hit.  You can’t script it any better.  I still like that option like flip to the catcher in that playoff game vs the As… one of my favorite all-time plays.  Oh by the way, speaking of playoff baseball, he wasn’t too shabby.  He just wasn’t a regular season player…. he played when it counted the most.  That’s the type of guy we need playing in this city.

Who will emerge on both sides of town as all-time guys?  Sale, Abreu, Rizzo, and Castro were the names mentioned here a lot.  Will they keep it up?  Who is the next name to join these guys?

It’s a long way until next year, but with a taste of playoff baseball last night, I already can’t wait.  Hopefully between now and then, we challenge for a title with the Bears, Hawks, or Bulls.  The Hawks have been carrying us lately… it’ll be nice to have baseball back in the mix one day, and have a team actually playing October baseball, instead of just talking about it.  See you soon baseball… see you next year.  Until then, we’ll have to settle with watching from our couch… comfortably… standing in line for that roller coaster ride.