And So It Goes...

Another quick exit. Another year without the big prize.

This Cub team played in this playoffs like the team I saw in spring training, not the team I saw sailing through the summer months in control of their own destiny. Missed opportunities, bad fielding, weak hitting, and pitching that couldn't get it done. A fragile looking squad with a ton of questions and very few answers.

Soriano thinks this team isn't made up for the playoffs...a sprint versus the long haul of the season. I say none of them played up to their capabilities. So, while Soriano may be correct, it isn't the reason they lost this series.

The team hit .240. Soriano 1 for 14, Soto 2 for 11, Ramirez 2 for 11, Theriot 3 for 11. The core of the lineup was unproductive. The pitchers had a 5.19 ERA and of the four big starters, the biggest question mark (Big Z) was the only one with an ERA less than 6.00.

None of that diminishes what the Dodgers did. They produced the runs and their starters were on target.

The Cubs, yet again, were not. After two playoff sweeps in a row, it's time to consider what can be done with this squad. I'm not sure tinkering on the edges will get it done. On the other hand, the team is solid and probably doesn't need a total overhaul.

We've got all winter to think about it.