I predicted in spring training that the Cubs would win 74 games. After three lackluster seasons of bad, I assumed the front office would keep the slow pace of prospect development down on the farm. Kris Bryant would have to get 500 AB in AAA this season. Addison Russell would split time between AA and AAA. Kyle Schwarber would learn to catch a full season in the minors.
So, many people thought the Cubs would scrub through 2015 with another journeyman roster of place holders.
Yes, the Cubs did reach the predicted 74 wins mark.
But there is still a month to go in the season.
The team is still 5.5 games ahead of the Giants for the wild card berth. With 4.5 weeks to go, it is doubtful that the Giants will catch the Cubs (based on the formula a team realistically can shave one game per week).
So the Cubs exceeded expectations. They will get the benefit of an expanded wild card to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008. They have a real "ace" starter in Jake Arrieta to throw that elimination game in Pittsburgh. People are excited for the Cubs. Cubbernaut!!
A few old timers still think there is going to be a "Cubbie occurrence" in September. The doomslayers come out when the team loses four in a row (even after winning five in a row). If the Cubs go .500 for the next 32 games, the club reaches 90 wins (a 21.6 percent improvement over the spring training prediction).
Bryant, Russell and Schwarber have all made in impact on the team. All of them have had their ups and downs which is expected of rookies. How they make adjustments and learn to be professionals is what the Maddon magic is all about. If Maddon can hold together the club with the pressures of September (he already started by managing games in August like their were short playoff series games), then the Cubs will continue to exceed expectations.
