Chicago Cubs: The Beginning of the End

Is it just me, or does something like this always happen?

Whenever the Cubs are hot, on a seemingly great streak and looking like the playoff contenders they seem destined to be, the baseball gods walk in and beat us over the head with the mythical "Bat of Fate."

This is just the beginning. Soriano's broken hand is a mere sign of things to come. So what's next?

Kerry Wood hurts himself falling out of a hot tub. AGAIN.

Derrek Lee gets hit by a car as he's walking out of Wrigley following a great game in which he goes five for five, with a grand slam and seven RBI.

Kosuke's ears start to bleed as the repeated chants of "FU-KU-DO-ME!" finally get to him.

Zambrano snaps a bat over his leg and somehow winds up with half of it sticking out of his thigh. See ya.

With the Cubs' bad luck, it's bound to happen. It's only a matter of time. With the All-Star break fast approaching, it's almost the time of year where the Cubs lose their magic stroke with their blistering bats, their golden gloves, and their seemingly perfect pitching. It all starts to go down the tubes.

In the past, the Cubs have been the loveable losers. I have even affectionately called them "The Folders" for their penchant for crumbling under the pressure of those close races and playoff situations that they always find a way to get into.

However, this year is different. I feel that there will be much bitterness if the Cubs somehow manage to lose it all with the team they have now. This team is well on its way to having a record season, in all accounts, and that is the exact reason why "The Folders" scare me so much.

It's because they're so GOOD this year. They have so much more to lose. And with all the stories of letdowns and the disappointment I've felt as a fan, especially after the 1998 fiasco, and what happened against the Marlins a few years ago, I'm not ready to be hopeful.

And I will NEVER say those four dreaded words:

"THIS IS THE YEAR!"

NEVER. That is the ultimate jinx.

We always say it, and whenever we do, we're always wrong. We reawaken the Billy Goat every time that phrase is uttered. So you will never hear me say, "This is the year!" I will always keep a little bit of skepticism by my side. Because even though I bleed Cubbie blue (always have, and always will), I couldn't stand being crushed by the curse in a year like this one.