The Chicago Cubs are the team of the future. With Joe Maddon at the helm, there maybe a North Side ascendency not seen since Tinkers, went to Evers and then onto Chance. However, with all the talk about the Chicago Cubs becoming the team to beat in the National League, the Cardinals hold that crown and, after game one, do not seem like they're ready to give it up just yet.
This year was a revelation for the Cubs. They were expected to get better but decided to speed up the process, jumping from 73 wins to 97. The Cardinals became the first team since 2011 to win a 100, topping last year's total by 10. There is a theme that will quickly develop and that is, since the hiring of Walt Jocketty as GM and president of baseball operations in 1994, the Cards have been the model organization on how to do things if you want to win baseball games.
Since 2000, the Cards have finished first in the Central 9 times and second 3 times. So, there have only been 3 seasons, since the beginning of the new century that they haven't finished 1st or 2nd. Add to that, in that same time period, they have only finished sub-.500 once, a feat only bested by the free spending New York Yankees.
They aren't out in the free agent market spending like crazy buying talent to maintain their image either. Central champions the past 3 years, the Cards have been ranked 12th, 11th and 9th in highest payroll. In fact, the Cubs ranked higher this year. St. Louis' approach the last several years is exemplified by their game one victory. Tommy Pham's dramatic pinch hit home run no doubt sent every casual scrambling to their computers muttering "Who the f&*k is Tommy Pham?" Add in Stephen Piscotty's play in game one, another name that sent people scrambling to their computer and the fact that every single year there seems to be one of these "no-name" guys doing this for them, you get a sense of why they are successful.
The point is, I guess, if the Chicago Cubs want to be the kings of the National League, it's going to take more than just winning 97 games. It's going to take beating the St. Louis Cardinals.
