Ok, deep breath. It’s only June and they’re only four games out of first.
I have to keep reminding myself that the Cubs aren’t actually doing terrible this season. Despite a brash of injuries, suspensions, and streaky play, the Cubbies are only four games behind in the NL Central. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s only June, and four games can be easily made up in two weeks. I have to keep reminding myself that the Brewers (first place) are playing at an unsustainable rate, the Cardinals (second place) have scrapped together yet another rotation and shouldn’t be able to play at the level they currently are. The Cincinnati Reds, too, are playing well beyond the level expected this season.
I have to keep reminding myself because between my friends and the media, all I hear about it how terrible they look this year. 
Sure, the offense has struggled a bit of late, but on the season the team has scored more than they’ve allowed and again, they’re only four games back. Yeah, the bullpen has blown a few leads and perhaps in turn created some enemies out of some pitchers (can we sue Aaron Heilman for negligence?), but its still June. I be the first to admit that the club’s turbulent ownership situation has wrecked the club’s ability to acquire a big gun down the stretch (something that was originally planned), but the Cubs will still get a couple of stars when Aramis Ramirez and Rich Harden come back as they return from injuries in just a few more weeks.
All of the focus from not just the media, but my fellow Cubs fans so far this year has been on the negatives. What about the heartwarming story of Bobby Scales succeeding in his first big league stint? What about rookie Randy Wells taking the ball every fifth game and having one of the top ten May’s of any pitcher in baseball? What about the fact that the Cubs have scrappily held together so far this season, despite offensive struggles, despite injuries, despite shaky the ownership situation, and despite all of their division rivals playing out of their minds.
Despite all of these inconveniences, the ball club is still only four games back, with some big guns coming back soon, and the marathon of the baseball season will likely catch up with the Brewers, Reds, and Cardinals.
Plus, it’s only June. That’s what I need to keep reminding myself.