I can relate to how the Cubs' fans feel. The Indians are #2 on the list of World Series drought having not won one since 1948. In 1995, it was the first play-off appearance for the franchise since 1954 - a period of 41 years. We had a great team that year and I enjoyed every moment, every win seemed so much fun. They won 100 games that year in a strike-shortend 144 game season. Although I felt it was their year that year to win it all, that thought did not seem to dominate our thinking. It was more about enjoying a moment that had never occurred in any of our lifetimes.
With the Cubs and their fans this year, I got the sense people (and the team perhaps) sensed that this was their year. That shifts the focus from enjoying what is happening to putting too much emphasis on what ought to happen in the post season. Thinking too much about the future rather than being thankful for today. Carlos Zambrano pitched good enough to win the other night but otherwise reliable infielders had other thoughts. The Phillies played kind of tense last year and look like a different team this year even though the players are the same. The Cubs had a great year. Getting into the playoffs is a big deal. Getting anything more is a bonus. Luck, momentum, and playing like there is nothing to lose (i.e., Manny-go-lucky) can and often does trump which team has more overall talent.
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