Chicago Cubs: Lack of all-stars prove nothing is a given

Unless the fans vote Kris Bryant into the All-Star Game, the Chicago Cubs are left with just one representative in this year’s event. That reality might serve as the perfect wake-up call for the defending World Series champs.

Who would have thought before the season began, that the Chicago Cubs might only have just one player headed to this year’s all-star game? Boy, what a difference a season makes.

As it currently stands, only closer Wade Davis is heading down to Miami to play in the July Classic. It’s a firm reminder that the Cubs have greatly underachieved as a unit. Despite being the prohibitive favorite to repeat as World Series champions, before the season began.

The Cubs can learn a valuable lesson or two, from not partaking in the All-Star festivities. Sure, gaining additional rest will serve everyone on the team well. Too bad skipper, Joe Maddon, can’t say the same, for he gets to manage the game. That’s the price you pay for winning the World Series.

Could use the rest

Unfortunately, having the luxury to rest up for a couple of days isn’t the only lesson Cubs’ players should take home with them, during their brief break. In addition, this all-star break should serve as another firm wake-up call. One of many for the Cubs, thus far, in this up-and-down roller-coaster season.

As if trailing behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division, heading into July, wasn’t enough to motivate an underachieving, yet talented ball-club. While players like Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo won’t let any all-star snub ruin their night, they, along with their teammates, can use this as additional fuel, heading into the second half.

Maybe the players already know this, from having won a hard-fought World Series. But it sure never hurts to get reminded of this valuable lesson every once in a while.

Nothing is given. This is especially true in baseball. The Cubs went through that last season when they came back from a nearly improbable, 3-1 deficit, to win the World Series.

For whatever reason though, the Cubs are not embracing the target on their backs anymore. It’s as if they’re shying away from it, the more they struggle.

They’ve clearly lost their confidence from a season ago. And possibly a little bit of swagger along the way.

Having said that, it’s not too late for the Cubs to change their season’s narrative. While winning consistently cures plenty, it’s just as important to have fun while doing so.

Maybe a well-timed break is all it will take, to remind the Cubs, of just that.

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Chicago Cubs: Lack of all-stars prove nothing is a given

By Brandon Hinrichs | Jul 4, 2017

Unless the fans vote Kris Bryant into the All-Star Game, the Chicago Cubs are left with just one representative in this year’s event. That reality might serve as the perfect wake-up call for the defending World Series champs.

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Could use the rest