Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) stands in the dugout before a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) AP

The race to dismiss the Cubs is on, as if recent contributions by the Cubs themselves are not reasons enough to give up on a team that just the other day had the best record in baseball.

The return of the Cubs to familiar surroundings — that is, among the afterthoughts, to their usual place as Miss Congeniality — comes as no real surprise to those among the faithful who were happily misled by early excellence.

Runs came in bunches, pitching was efficient, fielding had flair, rookies were all-stars. The Cubs were perched comfortably atop the standings. The faithful were shirtless and carefree. These novelties wer

See Full Page