Chicago Cubs

Hype is a dangerous thing.

Nothing good comes from it. Few players in modern sports ever live up to the hype that the media circus can create. Out of these unjust expectations, disappointment looms large.

Cubs fans know a lot about the hype process. All of the "This is the Year!" signs cast aside on the streets of Wrigleyville will vouch for this.

Of course, we all know it has been awhile since the Chicago Cubs tasted a World Series victory, although many fans just refer to it as "Back in '08." Just to make sure you're caught up, Henry Ford produced his first Model T the same year the Cubs last won, in 1908.

What can the Cubs do to end of of the most scrutinized and devastating losing streaks in sports history? Well, there are many, but here are the five most important steps the Cubs need to take to grasp a World Series title in 2011.

At 75-87, the Chicago Cubs gave their fans yet another disappointing season in 2010, as the team continued its long and storied tradition of losing. 

The year started out with an ominous beginning, as the volatile Carlos Zambrano and manager Lou Pinella had a well publicized feud over Zambrano’s struggles on the mound. 

The Chicago Cubs are a great team. I may be a big White Sox fan, but I'm no slouch when it comes to knowing baseball. Believe me when I say that the Cubs will be bad next year.

Every year it's the same. The Cubs are World Series favorites, they start off hot, but then the second half is filled with losses and they eventually miss the championship series.

And, I am very happy.

But this article isn't about me. This piece is about the Cubs and their misfortunes.

Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals were unable to reach a new contract agreement as the deadline passed with no new deal, making it likely the three-time MVP will test the market after the season. Is it possible the Chicago Cubs are licking their chops and preparing for Pujols?

I love the Chicago Cubs. I have always loved the Chicago Cubs. Every summer, I take my sons to a game at Wrigley where they make fun of me for loving the Chicago Cubs.

And every summer the Cubs break my heart—year after year after year.

When I watch some other team lift the World Series Trophy, I promise to cheer for another team. Any other team. Except, the White Sox.

I hide my Cubs gear, and I put away all my memorabilia.

Then, in the winter, it starts.

While most of his friends call him Carl, perhaps a change back to Carlos (along with a change of scenery) will help him forget about his 2k10 campaign. 

Carl's season was a miserable one for him. He played through a heel injury without bemoaning his condition or making excuses for his .196 average. He was the leader of the Rays and a major clubhouse presence for the winningest team in the AL, but to say it was a down year is an understatement.

With the Chicago Cubs just days away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Mesa, Arizona, the dreadful realization of seeking a replacement for the legendary and passionate radio broadcaster Ron Santo begins to sink in.

Ron Santo tragically passed away on December 3, 2010 due to complications from bladder cancer and diabetes

Heading into the 2011 season, catcher is one of the last things that the Chicago Cubs will need to worry about, as long as Geovany Soto is lining up behind the dish.

Soto bounced back from a very poor sophomore season in 2010. After winning Rookie of the Year in 2008, Soto hit just .218 in 2009, with only 11 homers.

The 2010 season saw Soto bounce back from that sophomore slump, posting a .280 average and parking 17 big flies. 

Besides the relatively rosy picture Cubs management paints, described in Part I, there is another view as to why the Cubs lost last year. The bottom line is that one really doesn’t have to buy into the bad luck or underachievement excuses.  There are legitimate doubts about the steps that have been taken to improve the team.