Cubs Central Division Champs - Again But Different

The Chicago Cubs are Central Division Champions for the second time in as many years. So just like last year the Cubs finish on the Top of their division...but that is where the similarities end. There is a hunger, a resolve, their eyes are on a different prize.

This is the first time in 100 years that the Cubs have won back to back divisional championships. Because of that every year, in the last 60 years, the Cubs have won the division it has been more of a relief than a stepping stone to something bigger. The fact that they were in the playoffs was the archived objective. Consequently they consistently underachieved during the playoffs. That's not the case this year because the core of last year's team is here and the additions made have been instrumental in improving their weaknesses. More importantly, their attitude has changed, so have their expectations.

This Cub team has tasted failure in a way no other Cubs team has in over 100 years. This point was made by Theriot in an interview after the game today. Ryan said, "you have to lose before you can win". Very few teams can go from mediocre or bad to champion in one year. I believe to be a champion you have to get close to the prize yet fall short. You have to taste it, smell it, feel it. You have to see the joy of victory but suffer the agony of defeat. You need that bad taste in your mouth. It is that taste that creates the resolve to be a champion.

In listening to the Cub players after today's game the same theme was being discussed; we are going to celebrate and we're glad we clinched it in Wrigley for the fans, but we are not done. They all eluded to the fact that it felt different this time. Last year was a battle to get there and by the time they realized what was happening it was over. This year they expected to be there, not in a cocky way but a confident way. Even though no player would have admitted it last year, getting to the playoffs was the achievement, this year it is but one step to the ultimate achievement.

This year step one has been accomplished. Step two is home field throughout the NL playoffs. Step three is a Divisional Series win. Step four is NL Champions. Step five is the goal, the prize, the brass ring, it's what North Chicago has been waiting for for 100 years...A World Series Championship. Go Cubs! Cubs Century Is Here!