There is an old saying that a fast start by a team does not win a pennant, but a slow start can doom a season.
The Cubs have started off 1-4. After only 5 games, the Cubs are 3.5 games out of first place in the NL Central.
In order to get to an optimistic .500 season, the team will have to win at a .510 clip to reach 81.
If the Cubs continue on this pace and reach 2-8, then the winning percentage increases to .513 to reach 81.
Considering that the team as whole last season was under .500, it is like climbing an ice packed mountain.
Despite the glowing stories on how Cubs spring training was "different" than past seasons, there is no compelling change noticed in hitting, fielding, pitching or base running so far this season. The Cubs slow start dampens any expectations for a "surprise" season by the Epstein and Sveum crew.
