Why the not-so-optimistic title? Because a fifth place finish in the NL Central isn’t quite worthwhile when you’re the Chicago Cubs. In 2010, the team sported the highest payroll in the senior circuit at $137.9MM and were 12 games under .500 by the trade deadline.
Under manager Lou Piniella, the Cubs played with little enthusiasm and became complacent with their reputation as a team with a curse.
It will be up to new manager Mike Quade to shake the curse and keep his team motivated during his first full season at the helm, one which needs more ups than downs.
So, as the calendar prepares to turn, let’s offer some helpful tips to the team that could surely use them.