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As you wander around Wrigley Field an hour before the Pirates-Cubs game on Wednesday night, you feel like something is wrong.
Externally, it looked like business as usual.
Fans drank wine on the hotel's patio across the street, drank and dined at the new upscale restaurants and bars and in the little park's name play bags. after a global insurance broker.
The neighborhood has come a long way since the time of Yum Yum Donuts, the greasy spoon located west of the park, which once served as the only non-McDonald's dining option before the games . Progress has forever altered the essence of the region, giving it the appearance of River North, while giving the impression of being an afterthought.
Once inside, it's the same old Wrigley, though with video cards, a bad audio system and high-end seating for fans with giant wallets. The important things are the same: the walls covered with ivy, the vintage dashboard and green and green grass.
So, what's wrong with this picture? What is missing?
Anticipation.
Supporters of the Cubs anxiously awaited the day the team would win a playoff spot, counting the magic number and anticipating to get tickets for the big day. But the success of the last four years has changed priorities. Now the winner is a donor – the Cubs stitched at least one wild card when the Cardinals lost to the Brewers – and the focus is on the playoffs, but they can not.
After two sad days in Wrigley, the ball was finally lifted in the third round of Wednesday's win against the Pirates (7-6 and 10). The crowd got up for Kyle Schwarber with loaded bases and two exits. Schwarber pushed one step to give the Cubs a 4-1 lead, and they put it on the cruise control until the shaking bearder did so, allowing four points on the eighth and ninth innings.
The title of Albert Almora Jr. in 10th saved the situation, and the Cubs survived a nightmarish defeat that could have rivaled Phil Regan during the collapse of 1969.
Maybe it's Cubs Fatigue, but the number of empty seats in Wrigley these past two days, especially in the exclusive section between the canoes that includes admission to the 1914 club, suggests that the bloom is far from the Rose. Attendance remains relatively high – 32,874 Wednesday – but the rows of seats remain empty, a scene unthinkable just a few years ago for such an important match.
For weeks, we knew that the Cubs could clinch the division at this homestand, but the games were far from sold out. Watching the Cubs in person is apparently a shame now that it is scheduled every year.
Oh, how times have changed.
This year's team could be a reason for discomfort. The absence of constant strikes is staggering because we have all seen them before. The Cubs entered Wednesday's game with the best NHL record, but few are convinced they are as good as the record.
When the lead was reduced to half a match on Tuesday, another boring affair without the Cubs' attack, the idea that they might have to settle for a wild game was nauseating for some.
"A half-game lead?" Said Daniel Murphy after Tuesday's loss. "I think a lot of other clubs would commit to that. I know that six weeks ago I was wearing a different uniform. This is the lens you are looking at. "
The lens through which we look is the one created by the golden era in which we live. The Cubs spoiled us all, which seemed easy these last four years. This is not, of course. Even the most talented teams can fail, as the Cubs did in 2004 and the national vaunted this year.
"I agree with the high expectations," said manager Joe Maddon on Wednesday. "I agree with the word" pressure "because it normally means that there is something well attached."
In 2018, there were many good times, including the David Bote match, Jason Heyward's grand slam and the return of the miracle against the Braves in a cold April rain.
The players are friendly and it was an interesting race with the Brewers from start to finish.
If this season was in a year before 2016, it would be considered a classic, a bit like in 1984, the "Boys of Zimmer" in 89 or "In Dusty We Trusty" in 2003. The performance of Javier Baez makes it year to savor.
Instead of wondering why the Cubs are not dominant, it may be time to appreciate the fact that they are still standing despite all their faults.
If you want to relive 2016, insert a DVD.
This season is synonymous with survival, and that's all that matters in October.
Twitter @PWSullivan
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