I know that the Cubs aren't sitting very well with anyone (including me right now). As most people could guess from this FanPost that I am an optimist by nature. And do I still have a slight hope? I do, even though it is dwindling by the second. But that is not what this is about. I know that the last thing some of you want to do right now is watch baseball, but please think forward to the middle of winter when you are yearning for anything baseball related. If at all possible, I think it would be a good idea to atleast try to enjoy the rest of the baseball season. And who knows? The Cubs may pull off a miracle and make it to the postseason. Even if they don't, just take in baseball while you can. It's tough, but I think it would be good for all of us. Keep the faith. Eamus Catuli.

This is meant to be an encouraging fanpost for those who are struggling in believing in the Cubs right now. Come here, post your thoughts on why the Cubs will (or have a shot to) make the postseason. If you don't think they will, please don't post. This is not to vent-there are plenty of other threads for that. Post encouraging things about the Cubs.

Why the Cubs will make the postseason in 2009:

• I believe that the lineup will start producing the way we know it can very soon.
• We have more games at home then on the road
• We play sub .500 teams a majority of that time.
• Things must turn around at some point. I think that this team has atleast 1 more run of 7 of 8 or so.
• We play the Cardinals 3 more times.

Like I said, if you don't have anything to add that involves the subject of this post, please do not comment. I am hoping this will be therapy of some sort for those who are down right now. Look, am I saying that the Cubs will make the playoffs? No. However, I am giving optimistic reasons why they have a chance. Keep the faith.

UPDATED TO REFLECT THREE GAME SERIES INSTEAD OF FOUR    

This is an interesting stretch of games for the Central Division. This weekend, the Cards played the Reds (the Crads took 2 of 3) and the Cubs played the Brewers (Cubs winning 3 of 4). As it stands right now, the Cardinals are in first, the Brewers are 1 game back, the Cubs 2.5, and the Reds 3 (also, don't forget about Houston who is lurking). This week, the Brewers play what should be an interetsing series against...guess who...the Cardinals. So, what is the best outcome for the series? Keep in mind that the Cubs play the Cardinals next weekend for 4 games, so they can add to or offset whatever happens this week. Still, it would be interesting to hear people's thoughts.

Of course, all that REALLY matters is that the Cubs take care of bussiness versus the Braves!

     We are all, for the most part, Cubs fans, and have been such for quite a long time. I am wondering why we have so many ledge jumpers. The Cubs did not exactly look great in the first part of 2007, and yet they came back and won the division. In 2007 at this point in the year, the Cubs were one game under .500 and 7.5 back. After today's game, the Cubs are two games under and a mere 3.5 games out of first place.

     The players are simply not producing, that is something that is obvious. However, the fact that the players are under performing (some players to a major extent), and the Cubs are missing their starting 3rd baseman and the Cubs are only 3.5 back is something that is a positive. At some point, the players will (probably) get up to their career averages. The Cubs can rattle off 8 of 10 (starting tomorrow versus Pittsburgh) and, with this division, find themselves at or near the top of the Central. I'm frustrated, and every has a right to be. Put please, realize that this season is not over. Yes, things are looking dull, but it will turn around. Keep the faith-it isn't over.

I went to a White Sox game this afternoon (I know, minus major BCB points for me-trust me I'll be cheering for the boys in blue tomorrow!). Anyway, a friend of mine commented on the noise and entertainment going on at the Cell and said, "This isn't just a ballgame, it's a happening. I definitely agree with what they said-you don't have any of the in between innings tshirt tosses, hula dances (yes, there was a hula dance), and loud rock and roll music. Please understand that I am not saying it is just the Cell, I am sure it is almost every ballpark. However, all you have at Wrigley is the organ music and the fans.

     Which do you like better-the entertainment somewhat taking away from the game itself, or just the game without all the extra "stuff"? Keep in mind that at Wrigley you do not have as "nice" of stuff-your basic hot dog and beer (not the fancy stuff that modern parks have. There are pros and cons to both. However, I think that I like the Wrigley atmosphere-simply a ballgame. Another thought is that I noticed the fans were much more engaged in the game itself at Wrigley, where as people at the Cell were more distracted (by the extras maybe?). Anyway, I was just interested to see what BCBer's thoughts were.

Let's hope the Cubs turn it around this weekend at the Cell!

I recently got a Cubs "W" flag. Having a Cubs "W" flag is not something to be taken lightly, and is a privelege. Therefore, I need to know how to fly my W flag, and I have several questions....

• When do I take it down after they win before the next game? An hour before, or six hours? Do I even take it down or just hope they win the next game? :)
• What about off days?
  
• Any other rules that I forgot to mention?
• Does Ted Lilly fly a W flag?

Should be some fun before the game tonight.....let's hope the Cubs continue their winning ways!

     I was at my local library the other day browsing the baseball books, and I saw "Juiced" by Jose Canseco, and I decided to pick it up. I read it, and I was shocked by the way the Conseco treated his use of steroids. He njot only said that he took them, he said that he didn''t regret doing it. In fact, he seemed happy that he used PED's. He talked about how he wanted to be the best athlete in the world, no matter what it took. He said that he injected people with steroids, and was "The Chemist", educating people about how to take steroids, and doing it himself. Maybe I am overreacting (I realize that no one is perfect), I am simply surprised that Canseco treated his steroid use the way he did. I want to hear other people's opinions-is Jose right in what he says and is it just me that disagrees with what he says, or do others think that he went too far?

He also talked about how Latin American players were treated worse than white players (he compared himself to Mark McGwire, the "All-American boy"). What are people's opinions of this? Is this true, or was Jose just overreacting to get people on his side?

Just some thoughts to start a discussion...