Cubs once again: `Wait 'till next year'
Oct. 3, 2005

CHICAGO (AP) Asked to describe the season in one word, Chicago Cubs manager Dusty Baker thought for several seconds and came up with this: "Anguish."

"It was filled with ups and downs and a constant struggle," Baker said later. "There was never a point where you felt you were in control for a long extended period of time."

So, two years after coming within five outs of their first World Series since 1945, the Cubs are back in restructuring mode.

For the second straight season, there were numerous injuries to key players. This time the Cubs could not compensate for the absences, overcome their own lapses in fundamentals or deal with the excellence of St. Louis. The Cubs finished fourth at 79-83, 21 games back of the Cardinals, ending their modest run of two straight winning seasons.

Twice they had to watch their top rivals in the division - the Cardinals and the Astros - celebrate in front of them after clinching postseason berths.


I've been reading a book about last year, quite depresesing. This year's book would be similar. I hope it's not the same next year.