Chicago Cubs fans - Rebuilding Year 2023

[FINFAN]

I have a few theories why the fans here aren't more loyal, but keep in mind, they are simply that...theories
1) The stadium is not near mass transit and getting to/from game is bad (to put it mildly)
2) Atlanta is a transient town...not as many native Atlantians
We had the same problem with our hockey team (which I really enjoyed going to watch, while on TV is cure for insomnia) - some die hards, but many fair weather
3) Organization/Owner changes (several) have changed the "feel" over the years. Some like the new, some like the old
4) Folks are not willing to part with their money or spend their time if they're likely to see another loss (granted, that isn't isolated to Atlanta)

They just moved the stadium to Cobb County (NW suburb) and no longer downtown. The idea being since it's a more affluent area, they'd get more "locals" coming to the game. There is still no mass transit and the traffic in that area is even worse with the stadium traffic, so yet to be seen how it will pan out, but I think it will be an epic fail. I had an unknown (well mostly) trick/shortcut to get in and out of Turner field without traffic and with the new stadium, there is NO WAY anywhere around it that isn't HORRIBLE.
I think all the "sports networks" have killed the fan base EVERYWHERE (but specifically Cubbies and Braves). Used to be if you had WGN on cable, you could always see the Cubbies. Used to be if you had TBS on cable, you could always see the Braves. Now, there are 50 different networks you have to have to get them. I got rid of cable/satellite, so I confess I made it worse for myself to see either.

I can't believe they moved the park....Turner was perfectly fine. Wrigley not exactly easy to get to either esp for out of towner's. The El is awesome for convenience but not the greatest for late at night after hitting a bar or two, esp after a night game. Most Suburban Metra trains limit the last one at 12:30 a.m making it even harder
Well ,while we welcome all "Newbie" Cub fan's, one thing they need to know is it's fine to also follow/cheer another team (minus STL) but if you jump ship FOR another team, see ya. Not exactly welcome back in. Just the 411 for anyone who may want to hang in Wrigley and brag about how they "used" to be a "huge" Cub fan back in __, but then followed so and so when they sucked but are back as a life long fan now...Ummmmm, No.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Wow this thread got busy

 

[FINFAN]

Wow this thread got busy

that's a good thing, lol.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

that's a good thing, lol.

Lol true but it means I have to clear some time in the schedule to go through it all.

 

[docsoliday1]

I can't believe they moved the park....Turner was perfectly fine. Wrigley not exactly easy to get to either esp for out of towner's. The El is awesome for convenience but not the greatest for late at night after hitting a bar or two, esp after a night game. Most Suburban Metra trains limit the last one at 12:30 a.m making it even harder
Well ,while we welcome all "Newbie" Cub fan's, one thing they need to know is it's fine to also follow/cheer another team (minus STL) but if you jump ship FOR another team, see ya. Not exactly welcome back in. Just the 411 for anyone who may want to hang in Wrigley and brag about how they "used" to be a "huge" Cub fan back in __, but then followed so and so when they sucked but are back as a life long fan now...Ummmmm, No.

Wrigley may not be the best for transit, but it has history and ambiance. I remember making a point to go see a game at Wrigley BEFORE they put lights in. I was sad they were putting in the lights, but I understood it. I used to love growing up and coming home from school and turning on the Cubbies. Since they didn't have lights, they were afternoon games which was fantastic for me after school. Like I said, I understand why, but it was a sad day. That being said, the thrill of being able to watch a game at Wrigley win or lose is still there. Same with Fenway. No such thing for Fulton-County stadium/Turner Field/Whatever stinking corporate name is on the field now.

Okay, I'll stop my pining for the Ole days now.

 

[FINFAN]

QUALITY time~ basically just covering life of being a Cubs Fan and obvious hopes of team getting back on track. I think Lester is going to be spot - on tonight. Weather stinks, 37 degree wind chill and Phillies coming in stress free challenge that, and I am uncertain of our bats, but I think Lester will have a good night. Now let's hope I didn't just jinx him like I did Grimmer the other week

 

[FINFAN]

Wrigley may not be the best for transit, but it has history and ambiance. I remember making a point to go see a game at Wrigley BEFORE they put lights in. I was sad they were putting in the lights, but I understood it. I used to love growing up and coming home from school and turning on the Cubbies. Since they didn't have lights, they were afternoon games which was fantastic for me after school. Like I said, I understand why, but it was a sad day. That being said, the thrill of being able to watch a game at Wrigley win or lose is still there. Same with Fenway. No such thing for Fulton-County stadium/Turner Field/Whatever stinking corporate name is on the field now.

Okay, I'll stop my pining for the Ole days now.

speaking of day games, that is another factor to me. SO MANY night games this season, I don't think it bodes well for these young guys~ thankfully we are still the Friday matinee team.

 

[docsoliday1]

Okay, sorry...some more good Ole days memories/comments

Nobody sings take me out to the ball game like Harry did.
I love the ivy. Having balls get caught in the ivy and the player throwing their hands up is soooo cool (well I think so)
I love bleachers on the rooftops on Waveland.
I love that the Cubs have not tried to undo the rooftop fans (i.e. putting up a big wall or something)
I love the old fashioned scoreboard.
A game just isn't as fun to watch as it is at Wrigley. Some may argue, but it's okay --- you're entitled to be wrong.

 

[robinb]

I love that the Cubs have not tried to undo the rooftop fans (i.e. putting up a big wall or something)

I beg to differ. Ironically, the rooftops that are NOT obstructed are all owned by the Ricketts.

From my seats in 2010:

2011 (From the first base side)

From my seats, 2017:

 

[robinb]

I *detest* the Budweiser jumbotron.

 

[FINFAN]

Okay, sorry...some more good Ole days memories/comments

Nobody sings take me out to the ball game like Harry did.

I love the ivy. Having balls get caught in the ivy and the player throwing their hands up is soooo cool (well I think so)

Ivy will remain, but already changed due to bullpen doors..I am not a fan
I love bleachers on the rooftops on Waveland.
I love that the Cubs have not tried to undo the rooftop fans (i.e. putting up a big wall or something)
Since Ricket's owns most of them now, he would only be hurting himself if he did, lol
I love the old fashioned scoreboard.
A game just isn't as fun to watch as it is at Wrigley.
100% agreed, the whole neighborhood feel also makes it awesome. Most parks are surrounded by a mile of parking lot, while I can pop out my lawn chair on Waveland lol


Some may argue, but it's okay --- you're entitled to be wrong.

 

[FINFAN]

I *detest* the Budweiser jumbotron.

but, but...it's the Schwarboard!

hey, did they put the ball back there this season? HAVE WE FOUND THE REASON FOR THE FIRST INNING WOES?

 

[FINFAN]

Line up~

 

[Pacolovestacos]

It's not black and white. Being concerned doesn't mean "giving up". It means that I acknowledge that there is room for improvement. We definitely need another 5th starter because Anderson *will* get hurt ... and I'm not talking about the beating he took last night.

Yes I agree Robin. If people are here venting (I definitely fall into that category) it's because they care. People aren't venting just to kill some time and it certainly doesn't mean they've given up. It means that everything isn't rosy and hopefully some changes are in store. Theo is one of the best in the game so I'm sure he's working on a few things, hopefully.

 

[FINFAN]

So I'm gonna throw some top of my head July pitching possibilities out there (keeping in mind how stellar our farm league is right now as both trade bait and our future...and I LOVE it)
Quintana, Smyly, Santana (Erwin), Sonny Gray....any thoughts from the peanut gallery? We know Anderson is one and done, but do they go for 2 and head back to the 6 starter plan? Hard to say , but Joe does like versatility in his position players which bodes well for carrying more pitching. I look for the personality and work ethic as well as skill. One thing I do not tolerate is laziness in a player (one of the reasons I don't miss Soler). Fatigue is one thing, lazy doesn't cut it.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

I'm not sure Anderson is the concern right now as the #5 starter won't be in the playoff rotation. Cubs could try to fill his spot with Montgomery or maybe call someone up from the minors. I'm more concerned with our Top 4. I think Lackey might be done so obviously we need someone to fill that spot, especially for playoffs (if we get there).

Obviously Quintana would be great but at what cost? Probably would have to trade Schwarber, Baez or Happ, maybe Candelario as well. Steep price to pay but certainly would help us go for the repeat. Also I'm not sure Reinsdorf trades him to us knowing that he could potentially be the key for the Cubs to repeat.

How about Ivan Nova from Pitt? Pitt obviously isn't going anywhere so if they can get a decent return, perhaps they're willing to deal.

 

[FINFAN]

Could see Nova..I also think Santana could be an affordable option, but I kinda like Gray, honestly, but obviously the injury brings pause. Will see how he is now that he's activated. I have faith in Big John..I'm not writing him off yet, at all.

Surly is his zone, lol

 

[FINFAN]

a positive side to all the rain..Ivy is greening up!

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Could see Nova..I also think Santana could be an affordable option, but I kinda like Gray, honestly, but obviously the injury brings pause. Will see how he is now that he's activated. I have faith in Big John..I'm not writing him off yet, at all.

Surly is his zone, lol
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Oops forgot to comment on Gray in my last post. Yes I like him too. Do you know what his contract situation is? Ideally I'd like for the Cubs to trade for a top pitcher that can help for several years, not just a half year rental, especially if it costs us someone like Schwarber.

Looked up Gray. He won't be a FA until after 2019 season so that makes sense for Cubs if he does well in May and June.

 

[Pacolovestacos]

Some other names I thought about: Zack Greinke from Arizona but for now, Arizona is in the thick of it. They would need to fall out of the race and Cubs would need to be willing to shoulder the contract. Gerrit Cole from Pittsburgh as well.