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Who Ruined the Cubs? My Breaking Point with the Chicago Cubs

 

As a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, I never thought I'd reach the point where I would seriously question my commitment to this team. I've been following the Cubs for 53 years, through the highs, the lows, the heartbreaks, and the unforgettable 2016 World Series championship. But after watching this team stumble through another frustrating season, I find myself asking a difficult question: Where do the Cubs go from here?

The Cubs entered June needing to prove they could recover from a brutal 10-game losing streak. While they've shown flashes of life offensively and have managed a respectable month so far, the inconsistency remains impossible to ignore. One night they score 16 runs and look unstoppable. The next night they blow a 5-0 lead and lose a game they should have won comfortably.

The biggest issue isn't just one player, one manager, or one bad stretch of baseball. It's an organizational problem that starts on the field and extends all the way to ownership.

Craig Counsell continues to make questionable decisions, especially with bullpen management. The roster construction has left the Cubs vulnerable when injuries strike. And while there are bright spots like Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch, there simply aren't enough impact players consistently delivering when the team needs them most.

Jed Hoyer deserves credit for acquiring Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is developing into a superstar. Michael Busch has also exceeded expectations. Beyond those moves, however, I struggle to see a clear long-term vision. Too many signings have focused on defense and reclamation projects while the offense continues to lack consistency and clutch production.

Then there's ownership. Tom Ricketts oversees one of baseball's most valuable franchises, yet year after year the Cubs operate with a payroll that feels disconnected from their financial resources. Fans continue to fill Wrigley Field, support the team, and invest emotionally in the Cubs, but the commitment to building a championship-caliber roster simply doesn't feel strong enough.

The most frustrating part is that I remember when there was a plan. During the Theo Epstein rebuild, fans could see the future taking shape. There was excitement. There was direction. Today, I don't see that same vision.

As we look ahead to a crucial stretch against the Mets, Brewers, and Padres, the Cubs have an opportunity to prove they're still contenders. If they can't capitalize on these games, it may be time to accept that this season is slipping away.

I'm not giving up on baseball, and I'm not giving up on being passionate about the teams I support. But after more than five decades of loyalty, I believe fans have earned the right to demand better.

The Cubs owe their fans more than promises. They owe them a plan.

Let me know your thoughts. Do you still believe this team can turn things around? Or is it time for major changes throughout the organization?

Check out the Shawn Mackey show on YouTube!

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