Examining what cubs were missing in 2019 flameout
Maddon’s team had a lot of talent but couldn’t put it together in 2019; nationals, cardinals did have the synergy, and they made it to the NLCS
As we watch the Nationals and Astros battle in the World Series, it’s difficult not to wonder how the Cubs — ranked so highly in the preseason — couldn’t even reach the postseason. How could a team with Anthony Rizzo, Javy Baez, Kris Bryant, Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Willson Contreras not succeed?
You can’t blame injuries; every team has them, and the Yankees excelled in spite of them. You can’t honestly blame Joe Maddon; we all know he’s a manager of value. You can’t truly blame Theo Epstein; he’s headed for Cooperstown.
Who are you going to blame before David Ross takes over this mess?
I’m blaming Aristotle, the Greek philosopher, who kinda said, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Now there’s a quote that Maddon will probably put on a T-shirt in Southern California. I’m blaming Aristotle because he was right. Unlike the Nationals and Cardinals — the two foes in the National League Championship Series — the Cubs simply didn’t have the synergy to produce the wins necessary to move forward.
Take a look at how the Cubs compared to the Nats and Cards, and you’ll see it’s clearly not one weakness but a combination of elements that led to the Cubs’ disappointing 2019 season. They indeed showed that the whole was less than the sum of its parts.
As you replay the 2019 season in your mind, remember this quote: Then remember who said it: Theo Epstein. ✶
‘‘Baseball is a game based on adversity. It’s a game that’s going to test you repeatedly. It’s going to find your weaknesses and vulnerabilities and force you to adjust. That adversity, in the big picture, is a really good thing because it shows you where your weaknesses are. It gives you the opportunity to improve.’’