Come to Think of it...It Never Rains at Wrigley Field

It is said that in everyone's life, a little rain must fall.

In this context, rain is used as a metaphor for pain, disappointment, and perhaps even failure.

If that's the case, then Wrigley Field is going through a drought of epic proportions.  In fact, the Friendly Confines must be bone dry, folks.

I'm sure that Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wasn't talking about the Cubs in his famous poem, but the thought resonates with Cubs fans.

Oh sure, the Cubs have lost eight games at home this season. But one look at their overall record at home, 29-8—which happens to be the major league's best—and you recognize you better not drop a match into that tall grass for fear of starting a fire.

The Boston Red Sox have almost an identical record at home at 28-7.  In fact, home teams this year have won at a greater clip than in recent seasons.  Many theories abound, from a greater percentage of younger players in the league to sheer coincidence.

Stats may deceive, but they don't lie.  The top two or three teams in all MLB divisions have winning records at home and losing records on the road, with the exception of the LA Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, and St. Louis Cardinals, all of whom have winning road records.

Winning at home and maintaining a .500 record on the road has long been said to be a recipe for success in the big leagues.  Yet the disparity has seldom been more pronounced.

In fact, this year, given the success of some teams at home, it is possible that a division winner or two will have a losing record on the road and yet still win 90-plus games easily.

No team knows this better than the Atlanta Braves.  They have a fine 25-11 record at home and a horrendous 7-24 record on the road.  Ouch, babe.

It's so bad that the Braves have lost their last 21 one-run games on the road since August, matching the longest streak in major league history. 

So is it simple luck, or something else?

To Chipper Jones, it isn't a matter of luck.  "We have to make plays to save runs," said Jones, who is hitting .414.  "We need to execute.  We don't execute.  Everybody else executes, we don't.

Jones even called out players' effort following a recent loss to the Cubs.  "It's not easy to win on the road," he said.  "You're in a hostile environment and the whole world is against you.  You have to bring it every day.  I don't know if some of us bring it every day."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella also disregards luck.  "I don't believe things go your way.  I believe you make things go your way," Lou said.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that there is no place like home for many teams this year.  But come to think of it, you can leave your umbrellas at home.