If there is any doubt about the excitement and eager anticipation of Chicago Cubs fans, that has been put to rest as evidenced by new spring training attendance records. The big crowds at practices and exhibition games are indicative of a new vibe that surrounds the team. The Cubs are in a radical cultural transformation from lovable losers into a team that is poised to contend for years to come.
Mad for Maddon
The first shot across the bow by team president Theo Epstein in the offseason was when Joe Maddon was hired as new manager of the Cubs after working miracles with the Tampa Bay Rays. Maddon quickly established himself as the best manager in baseball while proving the value of a top flight skipper. The Rays are the ultimate small revenue team and yet Maddon squeezed four playoff appearances out of the franchise from 2008 through 2013 with six consecutive winning seasons. There is no doubt that now that Maddon has a high revenue roster to work with that his ability will make the Cubs a dominant contender sooner rather than later.
[related_post_one]
Lester Rocks Opener
Left hand starter Jon Lester was the top acquisition for the Cubs during the offseason which, along with the hiring of Maddon, set off euphoria with Cubs nation. Lester had an impressive spring training debut with two scoreless innings of work in front of an overflow record crowd. Lester struck out three out of the first four batters that he faced.
Lester has already been named the opening night starter against the St. Louis Cardinals. The game will be telecast nationally on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball and show off the newly renovated Wrigley Field.
Hammel Less Impressive
Jason Hammel is another reason for the new optimism with the Cubs. Hammel went 8-5 with a 2.98 earned run average for the Cubs last year and previously pitched for Maddon in Tampa Bay.
Hammel was less impressive than Lester in his spring training debut. Hammel showed winter rust in allowing a walk, single and homer to Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies in the first inning. He then settled down and got through his two innings of scheduled work.
Contagious Spirit
You would be hard pressed to find a more harmonious, optimistic, or positive training camp than with Maddon’s Cubs. Workouts have been crisp and the anticipation of a new era has players working extra hard. For long suffering Cubs fans, it does indeed look like the escape from a long winter of losing has finally arrived.
