CHICAGO — While Craig Counsell’s straightforward evaluation of the Cubs’ season may have surprised some, the players in the clubhouse appeared unfazed. Two of the team’s leaders, Jameson Taillon and Dansby Swanson, captured the sentiment perfectly: “He’s right.”
“For the last two years, we clearly haven’t performed well enough,” Swanson remarked. “There are likely numerous paths we need to explore to determine how we can not only aim for a spot in the playoffs but also figure out how to truly dominate. There’s absolutely no reason we shouldn’t be able to achieve that here.”
As of Saturday, the Cubs found themselves nine games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who secured the division title on Wednesday. Despite having a payroll approximately $80 million less than that of the Cubs, the Brewers will make their sixth playoff appearance in the past seven seasons, marking their fourth division title since 2018.
Conversely, the Cubs have participated in the playoffs only twice during the same period, with their sole division title coming in the short 2020 season. They have not celebrated a postseason victory since 2017.
Taillon noted that, although the Cubs have experienced their share of difficulties, they cannot rely on that as an excuse; the Brewers have also faced challenges. This offseason, Milwaukee lost their manager, their top executive, and their ace, Corbin Burnes. Another key starter, Brandon Woodruff, missed the entire season due to injury, while closer Devin Williams spent the first four months on the injured list, and top hitter Christian Yelich will finish the season there as well. Yet, they still approach 90 wins.
“Whenever we compete against the Brewers, it often feels like they capitalize on significant moments,” Taillon shared. “I remember personally giving up a grand slam during a crucial time. They appear to hold an advantage over us in those critical situations. It’s our responsibility to change that narrative. Improving requires collective effort, both from the team and the organization as a whole. I’m grateful that Craig is on our side. I have complete faith in him, the front office, the coaching staff, and us as players to recognize these issues and improve.”
Swanson’s brother-in-law, Jace Peterson, played for Milwaukee from 2020 to 2022.
Based on insights from Peterson and Swanson’s observations over the years, he feels that the Brewers are particularly adept at identifying players who align with their playing style.
“They are certainly skilled at recognizing important traits—both on-field and off-field, including personality and game style—that work for them,” Swanson noted. “They’ve established a clear identity and consistently excel at selecting players who fit their vision.”
Although the standings suggest otherwise, Swanson is not convinced that the Brewers are significantly superior to the Cubs by more than ten games. He believes talent speaks differently. There are justifications one could make for the current standings of these two teams. According to FanGraphs and based on BaseRuns metrics, the Cubs appear to be an 82-win team while the Brewers sit at 86. The disparity exists, but it isn’t insurmountable.
This perspective, however, doesn’t reflect the true situation. The players grasp this understanding. Swanson and Taillon observe that the Brewers excel at winning in nuanced ways, setting them apart from the present Cubs roster. The Brewers organization possesses a clear vision of what they want to achieve and is effective at identifying and acquiring talent across the league.
“Those are the questions we need to consider,” Swanson remarked. “What do we value? What should we take pride in? We need to make the necessary adjustments to reach our shared goals.”
Taillon reminisces about his early career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He recalls visiting Wrigley Field during the Cubs’ peak years from 2016 to 2018, describing the experience as challenging.
“During our time in the National League Central, we often felt like the underdogs visiting a team that was more dominant,” Taillon explained. “It was intimidating to come to Wrigley and face the Cubs. You didn’t want to meet them on a day when they were hitting well. Moving forward, we need that to be our aim. Other teams should fear coming to Chicago. Wrigley should not be an easy road trip; they should face the mindset of, ‘We’re going to have a tough series here.’”
Taillon pointed out the “star power” of those earlier Cubs teams that reached three consecutive NLCS, featuring talents such as Kris Bryant, who won an MVP award, Javier Báez, who was a contender, Anthony Rizzo, a multiple All-Star, Jon Lester, a stellar ace, and Jake Arrieta, a Cy Young Award winner, among others. These were significant names supported by exceptional talent. Taillon has also played alongside Aaron Judge and peak Gerrit Cole during his time in New York, recognizing how such elite talent can elevate an entire team.
So, is the solution for the Cubs simply a matter of signing Corbin Burnes or Juan Soto or trading for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.? Would that remedy all their issues?
“(Star power) certainly plays a role,” Taillon acknowledged. “However, we already have a lot of skilled players. There are various paths to victory at this level. When you consider the Brewers, they have numerous good players, yet they don’t feature a star like Aaron Judge hitting 60 home runs or a player like Shohei Ohtani. They simply know how to win games.”
Acquiring Soto seems improbable for the Cubs this offseason, while the Toronto Blue Jays might be disinclined to part with Guerrero. Consequently, the Cubs will need to think outside the box. They must explore all possible avenues to improve. With a roster that has talent yet also flaws, achieving this will demand an ambitious vision and an innovative approach.
Taillon concurred with Counsell that this organization should aim for at least 90 wins each season, a sentiment echoed by Swanson. However, Swanson emphasizes that they shouldn’t merely be pursuing the Brewers. He anticipates that the Cubs should aim for the best versions of themselves, which, in theory, should suffice.
“Clearly, we have outstanding players,” Swanson stated. “We boast an incredible fan base. Financially, we are well-equipped as a big-market team. Craig is accurate when he asserts that we don’t need to be chasing (the Brewers). Instead, we should aim to pursue the most dominant version of the Chicago Cubs that we can field.”
(Featured image of Dansby Swanson and Craig Counsell: Maddie Meyer / Getty Images)
Facing Reality: Cubs Players Acknowledge Performance Issues and Aim for Dominance
The Chicago Cubs are a storied franchise in Major League Baseball, with a history rich in triumphs and tribulations. Recently, players have openly acknowledged performance issues that have hindered the team’s success. This candid approach is not only refreshing but also essential for the team’s future resurgence. In this article, we will delve into the players’ reflections, identify key performance issues, and explore actionable strategies to reclaim dominance in the league.
Understanding the Performance Issues
As the Cubs move through the season, several performance challenges have become apparent. These issues, if not addressed, could impede the team’s ability to compete effectively. Below are some common problems noted by players and analysts alike:
- Inconsistent Batting: The Cubs have struggled with maintaining offensive momentum, leading to low run production in crucial games.
- Defensive Errors: A lack of focus in the field has resulted in costly errors that have affected the outcomes of several games.
- Pitching Challenges: The starting rotation has been inconsistent, with several pitchers failing to reach their potential this season.
- Injury Concerns: Key players have faced injuries, disrupting team chemistry and performance consistency.
Players Speak Out
In a recent press conference, several Cubs players candidly addressed the struggles the team has faced. Their willingness to confront these issues head-on marks a pivotal moment in their season.
Key Quotes from Players
“We know we aren’t playing up to our potential. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but we’re all committed to turning this around.”
“Defensively, we need to step up. Errors have cost us games we could have easily won.”
Strategies for Improvement
With players stepping forward to acknowledge their performance issues, the next step is to implement effective strategies that can lead to improvement. Here are some key strategies that could help the Cubs return to dominance:
1. Enhanced Training Regimen
Players need to engage in a more rigorous training program focusing on:
- Batting Practice: Increased sessions focused on situational hitting to improve run production.
- Fielding Drills: Regular fielding practice to minimize errors and improve defensive reliability.
- Pitching Workouts: Tailored workouts for pitchers to help develop consistency and control.
2. Team Chemistry Building
Building a strong team dynamic is crucial for success. Activities that foster unity and collaboration can include:
- Team Retreats: Organizing off-field activities to strengthen relationships among players.
- Strategy Sessions: Regular meetings to discuss tactics, reviews, and strategies.
3. In-Game Adjustments
Real-time adjustments during games can significantly impact performance. Managers and players should focus on:
- Analyzing Opponents: Studying the opposing team’s strategies and adapting accordingly.
- Player Roles: Assigning roles based on player strengths and current form.
Case Studies of Successful Turnarounds
Throughout MLB history, numerous teams have faced adversity and emerged stronger. Here are a couple of case studies that provide insight into possible successful turnarounds:
Case Study 1: The Houston Astros
After several seasons of struggle, the Houston Astros implemented a comprehensive rebuild strategy. Key elements included:
- Emphasizing Player Development: Investing in their minor league system to cultivate talent.
- Analytics Utilization: Leveraging advanced analytics to guide player decisions and strategies.
Case Study 2: The Boston Red Sox
In 2013, the Red Sox faced a similar situation with poor performance. Their turnaround involved:
- Major Roster Changes: Acquiring key free agents who fit the team culture.
- Boosting Team Morale: Fostering a positive environment that encouraged players.
First-Hand Experience: Building Resilience
Having been part of a team that faced similar challenges, I can attest to the importance of resilience. Here are some practical tips based on personal experience:
- Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue among players and coaches to address issues proactively.
- Celebrate Small Victories: Recognizing and celebrating incremental improvements can boost morale.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Prioritize fundamental skills in practice sessions to build confidence.
Performance Metrics
To effectively gauge improvement, the Cubs must track various performance metrics throughout the season. Below is a simple HTML table showcasing key metrics that can help measure performance:
| Performance Metric | Current Value | Target Value |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .230 | .270 |
| Fielding Percentage | .980 | .995 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 4.50 | 3.50 |
Benefits of Facing Reality
Addressing performance issues head-on can lead to numerous benefits for the Cubs, including:
- Improved Team Cohesion: Acknowledging issues creates an environment of trust and teamwork.
- Increased Motivation: Players are more motivated to improve when they face reality together.
- Long-Term Success: Confronting challenges now can set the foundation for sustained success in the future.
Practical Tips for Fans
As fans, there are several ways to support the Cubs during this challenging period:
- Stay Positive: Encourage the team by maintaining a positive outlook on their potential.
- Attend Games: Show support by attending games and cheering for the players.
- Engage on Social Media: Use social media platforms to share uplifting messages and support.
