By Marty Gangler
Isn’t this fun?
I think as a fan I could get used to this whole “winning” thing.
And even the guys that I kind of don’t care too much for have been playing great. I mean, sure, Dexter Fowler is still batting .257 for the season, but his OBP in August is .427. He’s turned his season around since the All-Star break.
And I still don’t like Chris Coghlan so much, but there is a big difference having a questionable guy playing second base opposed to left field. Second base is where questionable guys belong.
Now, let’s not get crazy and think Coghlan truly is anything more than barely above replacement level, but when a team keeps winning like this, you can’t help but like the guy – or at least hate him a bit less than before.
Not to mention this has just turned into the easily most likable team that I can remember. Okay, that 1984 team was super likable. Who could forget Jody Davis?
But let’s face it, baseball (and life) was just more fun for everyone in 1984.
But no way around it, this team is getting more fun and likable by the day. I’m really looking forward to the new Tru-Link fence ad.
Or the Kyle Schwarber ad for some car dealership. Why should the Rizz have all the fun?
Uh, maybe he’ll wear a not-so-weird shirt next time. Is it even buttoned correctly?
These guys are winning and it’s fun. We are going to get to know these guys a lot, really soon.
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The Week in Review: The Cubs went 4-2 for the week, sweeping the Braves for four after getting utterly destroyed by the Tigers in two games. The Tigers losses were so bad that is was good to see the Cubs bounce back and handle the Braves. If there was a chance for them to feel bad for themselves, giving up 40-some hits in two games would have been a decent time. It was pretty sweet to see our old buddy Edwin Jackson back with the Braves – and then have him finally really help the Cubs by giving up a couple runs. He was not missed, but it was nice to see him.
The Week in Preview: The Cubs have a make-up game on Monday with the Indians and then head out West for three each with the Giants and Dodgers. The sweet summer tradition of going to sleep with the game on in the background. I always enjoy the West Coast trips.
The Second Basemen Report: Chris Coghlan is apparently the primary Cubs keystone sacker for the rest of this season. Or until Big Poppa Joe figures out if someone else can play second base. I remember Craig Biggio starting off as a catcher and moving to second – maybe Boy Hulk Schwarber is next? Probably not.
In former Cubs second basemen news, Sparky Adams last played second base for the Cubs in 1927. Adams was only 5-foot-4, which was short even for 1927. He looks like he is going to fall down in this baseball card picture. His balance issues aside, he is missed.
Mad(don) Scientist: Apparently Big Poppa Joe is a lot like Don Zimmer. I don’t ever see Joe doing this, though. I could see him do this, however.
Wishing Upon A Starlin: Could you see a scenario wherein Castro is left off the playoff roster? I think that I can. Maybe Javy Baez or someone else comes up in September when the roster size increases and gives the Cubs more power/contact/defense/speed/character etc. You get the point; Castro really does nothing that great; he’s almost a wasted roster spot come playoff time.
Kubs Kalender: On July 25th, the San Fransisco Giants had Hunter Pence Gnome Day. I guess gnomes are a thing. So we all missed that one – but you can still buy one on eBay, they are going for close to $40. Who gnew?
Ameritrade Stock Pick of The Week: Shares of Cubs playoff tickets went on sale this week. For real.
Over/Under: The number of Chicagoans who care about the Crosstown Cup: +/- hahahaha.
Beachwood Sabermetrics: A complex algorithm performed by The Cub Factor staff using all historical data made available by Major League Baseball has determined that it’s hard not to like these guys. And believe me, we’re trying.
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* Touch ’em all: The Cub Factor archives.
* Know thy enemy: The White Sox Reports.
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Marty Gangler is our man on the Cub. He welcomes your comments.
Posted on August 24, 2015