Cub fans continue to "wait until next year"

By Vince Alexander

              It is half way through the Major League Baseball season, and many people are still following the Cubs.

            Or is it “The Flubs,” as my brother, an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, calls them.
            Despite the funny names the Cubs have been given, many fans keep following them because they are eternal optimists. In their eyes, it’s going to rain soon, the grass will turn green again, the sun will come out, and we will all be enjoying our gardens soon.
             Just be patient.
             Everything will be fine.
             Although the Cubs haven’t won a World Series championship in more than 100 years and are currently 19 games under the .500 mark, there are several reasons to continue to watch the Cubs.
             Just be patient.
             Everything will be fine.
             First, there’s Anthony Rizzo. The Cubs have been touting Rizzo for several months, and they finally called him up from their Class AAA minor league team in Iowa. Rizzo hasn’t been a disappointment. In his first 12 games, he has four home runs and 12 RBI. The Cubs have won eight of those games and Rizzo’s hits have come at critical times, seemingly putting a few blooms on a dying rose garden.
             Watching Rizzo hit is worth it. With the exception of the slight wiggle with his hands, his mechanics are perfect. He doesn’t have any wasted movements and his swing is lightning quick as he consistently drives the ball with his legs and core. If you like home run hitters, Rizzo is your next perennial power hitting slugger.
             Rizzo’s stance and hand placement is reminiscent of three players: Former Cub greats Ernie Banks and Billy Williams and former San Francisco Giants great Willie McCovey. If you are too young to remember these guys, look at their statues.  Also, you should research (google) their career statistics. These players were awesome hitters.
             Rizzo, 23, has been batting third in the Cubs’ lineup. In front of Rizzo, batting second, is Starlin Castro. Castro is one of the most exciting young shortstops in the league. Although he’s 22 years old, he was called up to the Cubs when he was 19. Yes, he made a lot of errors at shortstop, but his defensive improvement must be applauded.
             But it is Castro’s bat that keeps fans glued to the Cubs. Castro is a versatile hitter, and fans love the fact that he has speed. He has seven home runs, seven triples, and 10 doubles. When he gets a single, he is a threat to steal second. He has 16 steals in 23 attempts. With Castro, baseball is not boring. For the second straight year, he has made the National League All-Star team.
            Bryan LaHair is another reason to watch the Cubs. After spending almost a decade playing in the minor leagues, LaHair is finally getting a chance to play regularly in the big leagues. After playing most of the season at first base, he was moved to right field to make room for Rizzo. But it is LaHair’s bat that keeps fans interested in the Cubs. LaHair, 29, made the All-Star team by hitting .286 with 14 home runs and 30 RBI. He also is a candidate for the NL’s Rookie of the Year, but he may have to beat out Rizzo.
            LaHair is a great Cubs story. Go unnoticed. Work your butt off. And get rewarded.
            So what if it has been more than 100 years since the Cubs have won a World Series championship.
            Just be patient.
            Everything will be fine.
            And one day, “The Flubs” will also be called a World Series champion!