Are the Cubs even an underdog anymore?

[BCWWF]

I mean last year, they got to the NLCS and it was a huge deal, because they worked through the a close division and all that. But now this year they have arguably the best 5 man rotation in the majors, and are pretty widely regarded as the best team (or one of the top few) in the NL. They got one of the best first basemen in the off season, and really don't have a big hole in their lineup. If they win the World Series this year, will it really be a huge feat?

[PureHatred]

Dude..do you know anything about baseball?

You have a point that the Cubs aren't really an 'underdog.' After all, they have one of the biggest coroprations in the world as their owners and one of the highest payrolls in all of basebal. They are a large market team with an endless revenue supply. Even wth all their injuies, if Woods or Prior aren't 100% by the AllStar break, they'll be one of the teams trying to trade for guys like Randy Johnson and Barry Zito.

But in a historical sense, this is a franshise that has only had the worst century of any team not named the Red Sox. Didn't you notice the way people reacted to the idea of the Cubs making the Series? And the subsequent heartbreak when they choked?

The Cubs aren't a small market underdog team, but believe me, if they win a Wrold Series this year, the fan outpouring will be unlike anything we've seen since the 'Miracle on Ice' U.S. Hockey team.

[BCWWF]

Oh I didn't know that < / sarcasm>

Of course I know that, but its not the same to put together one of the top 2-3 teams in baseball and win a World Series. It takes away the point, is basically what I am saying. I just think that if they did it with more guys they brought up and all that, it would be an a lot bigger deal. The Red Sox deal is different because they have always had good teams and a huge payroll and winning records and Yankee style management.

(This is where you could bite me in the butt and say that the Cubs are the same way, but as far as I know they used more of a farm system than a Yankees approach)

[PureHatred]

Other than the starting rotation, basically every starter for the Cubs were signed as free agents or traded for.

[DaveWadding]

Corey Patterson?

Sammy? (And you'll say "Yeah they got Sammy off the Rangers", but he really blossomed on the Cubs)

[The Outlaw]

Sammy? (And you'll say "Yeah they got Sammy off the Rangers", but he really blossomed on the Cubs)

Plus he weighed like 170 with the Rangers.

Then he got that wisdom tooth fixed and started eating right...:lol:

[PureHatred]

Corey Patterson?

Sammy? (And you'll say "Yeah they got Sammy off the Rangers", but he really blossomed on the Cubs)

You named two guys. I said 'basically every starter.' The Cubs are a big market team that was smart enough to focus on developing pitching and fill in the roster with solid free agents.

My point is, that the Cubs not being an underdog doesn't at all take away from the fact that all hell would break loose if they win a World Series.