The one thing you hate doing is saying .500 would be good. Because it’s not good. It’s not 101 losses, but .500 isn’t getting you to the playoffs, either.’’
The 2013 season can be considered a failure if the Cubs don’t make the playoffs.
Making an effort to keep ticket sales from dropping too much?
In 2012, I said the Cubs would finish at .500 with a record of 81-81. Instead they were 61-101.
It’s too soon to be pinned down to a specific number for 2013 so for now I’ll say the Cubs will win more than 61 games and fewer than 81 in 2013.
There are 12 fewer games against the Houston Astros (8-7 in 2012).
Alfonso Soriano is unlikely to have as much success.
Same for Darwin Barney.
Anthony Rizzo will suffer from the sophomore jinx.
Contributions from catcher and third base will be minimal.
What pitching help there is in the farm system is still a ways away.