The image of lovable losers has been a part of the Chicago Cubs culture for decades and has long been embraced by many of their fans. After all, the Cubs last won the World Series in 1908. But there is also a segment of Cubs nation that has grown fatigued with the losing as evidenced by the increase in empty seats at Wrigley Field in recent years. It now appears, however, that the Cubs are getting serious about putting a winner on the field.
With the acquisition of a dominant left hand starting pitcher in Jon Lester, who has won two World Series titles in his career, Chicago made a bold statement about getting serious about winning.
The singing of Lester to a six year $155 million contract speaks boldly about the Cubs entering a new era of competitiveness and for the Ricketts Family ownership not being as cheap as they have been made out to be by a frustrated media and fan base. The Cubs beat out such heavyweights as the Boston Red Sox (Lester’s former team), the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Dodgers for Lester’s services.
It has been a fruitful offseason for Chicago’s north siders, which began with the hiring of manager Joe Maddon. Maddon made a reputation of being the best manager in baseball after winning big with an out-manned roster at Tampa Bay. Maddon gave the Cubs instant credibility and was no doubt a factor in Lester choosing to join the cause of putting an end to the losing at Wrigley Field.
Ripple Effect?
Success begets success and the arrival of Maddon and Lester is likely to cause other top players to consider the Cubs. Lester is 31 years of age and the argument that the Cubs paid too much is offset by the marquee appeal of his arrival.
“It definitely sends a message,” said Maddon about the arrival of Lester. “Having Jon there definitely adds to the flavor and the believability.”
Prime Time?
Lester is coming off a strong season in which he posted a 2.81 earned run average in the regular season. His post season ERA is 2.57. Cubs General Manager Jed Hoyer and President Theo Epstein knew Lester when they were all with the Red Sox and no doubt used that familiarity to their advantage and good on them for doing so.
After operating on a shoestring budget at Tampa Bay, Maddon cannot be criticized for feeling as if he won the lottery.
“It’s not often you get to win the lottery,” said the new Cubs skipper. “Now it’s up to us to put it into effect.”
