As a White Sox fan (and a casual one at that), I can't say I was too angry about the Cubs pathetic effort in the NLDS. However, my brother is a big Cubs fan. Needless to say he isn't very happy.
Gauging the reaction of the Cubs fans, this one almost feels different than 2003, the last big Cubs postseason let down.* That year they were still the loveable losers, the team who once every 15-20 years makes a run at ending their drought but loses it in a heartbreaking way. Name a year, and the Cubs have a cute little collapse to go with it (1945 and the goat, 1969 and the black cat, 2003 and Steve Bartman). They were cheerful, unlike the acerbic Philadelphia fans, or the bitter and pessimistic Red Sox fans.
This defeat is different. In fact, I think this is the step that moves the Cubs fans out of the realm of lovable losers, and into the realm of impatient and bitchy fans. Real Cubs fans, contrary to the stereotypes, are some of the smartest fans in the league. They know this was one of the best opportunities for the Cubs to end the streak in place since Teddy Roosevelt was in office. They could feel it, and they knew it was their year.
But it wasn't to be. The ideal narrative for the Cubs season would have ended in one of two ways, with either a wild victory celebration, or a bizarre event in game 7 of the world series to deny the Cubs their victory. Either way would have satisfied the Cubs fans in some way, even if it maybe wasn't the positive satisfaction. Even a loss in five tough fought games against the Dodgers would have been somewhat palatable.
But to get swept in this way was just too much. It was a series that shakes the confidence of their supporters, a disaster that makes them question why in the hell they even bother with this team. The vast majority of these fans will come to terms with it, and will be back and ready to go once pitchers and catchers report. But there will be an edge, an apprehension to put their faith into this team. They have moved into Philadelphia/Boston** territory here, and only a long-awaited world series title can get them out of that trough.
Still, there are some bright signs for the Cubs. They did win back to back division titles, a feat no Chicago baseball team has ever accomplished. They still have some great players, and management who is willing to do the right things to put together a winner. A few more players who don't crap the bed in the postseason, and that streak might end at 101.
Meanwhile, the Cubs fans will withdraw to the corner, and commence licking their wounds. The Bears are 3-2, first place in the NFC North. The Illini, Northwestern, and Notre Dame are poised to play in bowl games. Even the Bulls and Blackhawks have some potential. Hell, maybe a few spiteful fans will get some enjoyment out of watching the White Sox go down in flames.*** Hey, it's only five months or so until pitchers and catchers.
After all, there's always next year.
*I ignore 2007, as the Cubs fans were mostly just happy to be there.
**Pre 2004. I wish no Cubs fan the ignominious dishonor of becoming post 2004 Red Sox fans, even if they win a world series.
***Unless they don't go down in flames, and somehow come back and beat the Rays. That would make it feel worse.
