Ricketts takes it all in stride
Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts wouldn’t consider this roller coaster of a season disappointing.
Although the Cubs were on the verge of elimination in the National League Championship Series, Ricketts looked unfazed during batting practice Wednesday. He was seen laughing and talking with former Cubs catcher David Ross and manager Joe Maddon.
The Cubs have had to overcome a lot of adversity. After winning the World Series, the Cubs started 2017 slow, straddling the .500 mark for most of the first half. They also had injuries to key players, such as Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta and Addison Russell.
Some players also haven’t performed to their ability. Kyle Schwarber was sent to the minors after struggling at the plate. In the postseason, good at- bats from the Cubs have been few and far between.
But despite the ups and downs, Ricketts said he’s proud of the team president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer put together.
“The goal was always to build a team that could sustain success. And you do that by building a good young core,” Ricketts said. “We’ve succeeded in doing that, and now it’s like you have to execute in the playoffs.”
Would a sweep have made Ricketts change his mind about the season? Absolutely not.
“It’s been a great season,” Ricketts said. “We’re playing a great team and we have some work to do, but it’s been a wonderful season.”
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