Team of Destiny? Different-feeling Cubs team eyes historic title
The Chicago Cubs as a team of destiny? They just might be. Here's why.
By
Matt Snyder
•
1 min read
Each postseason, the eventual World Series champion does or experiences certain things that make us believe they are the team of destiny. Let's examine why each of the four remaining teams could be that team. Here's why the Cubs may be this year's team of destiny.
>> Team of Destiny? Cubs | Mets | Blue Jays | Royals
Game 4 of the NLDS was the perfect opportunity. It had all the ingredients of a traditional Cubs disaster:
- Cubs have chance to win series at home.
- Cubs are facing the dreaded Cardinals.
- Cubs' 4-2 lead is erased thanks to a backup catcher's double and pinch-hitter's single.
In so many past years, this would have meant disaster. Jorge Soler's throw home doesn't nail Tony Cruz at the plate. The Cardinals take the lead and close down the Cubs, only to turn around and figure out a way to piece together enough pitching to take Game 5, sending the Cubs packing for the winter.
Not these Cubs. Soler comes through with the throw, followed up by an excellent catch-and-tag by Miguel Montero. Anthony Rizzo promptly homers to put the Cubs on top, Kyle Schwarber piles on with an instantly-legendary blast and the bullpen shuts the door.
The series itself embodies the difference in these Cubs. They fell behind after being utterly dominated in Game 1 of the series, only to come out and steal Game 2 on the shoulders of a Kyle Hendricks start and two bunts. Ace Jake Arrieta had his worst outing in several months in Game 3, but the offense picked him up with a historic performance.
For the final two months of the season, the Cubs have had a different feeling to them. A 45-18 record down the stretch was the best in baseball. In all, they won 34 one-run games, went 13-5 in extra innings and had 13 walk-off wins.
The roster is chock full of young power hitters who are just delightfully dumb enough to not care about the history of the downtrodden franchise. They have two starting pitchers capable of performing as postseason aces and a motley crew bullpen full of power arms. All this under the absolute perfect manager to lead this team to where it's not been since 1908.
Yes, the Chicago Cubs have the look of a team of destiny.
