The word, dearth, seems appropriate for this post so I’m going to go ahead and use it. Dearth is a noun which is defined as a scarcity, a lack; or an inadequate supply of something dear. I think I was most intrigued to use this word because of its look and the way it’s spelled. Putting a D in front of the word earth, something which is obviously overabundant, makes the new word seem increasingly catastrophic to me. Making it seem like the supply which is being lacked in dearth is a supply of epic proportion. If we were to apply the word dearth to the world of baseball, I’m sure no one would be more familiar with it than the Wrigley faithful.
The longest Championship dearth in sporting history exists in their franchise, spanning over more than an entire century. They also have a W.S. appearance dearth of over half a century now. And the most recent of dearths for Cubbies fans: a dearth of the playoffs for the last 3 seasons. Not the large dearth they’re used to, but a dearth nonetheless. I’d bet you’d like a dearth of the word dearth right about now, Cubs fans. Ok, I’ll stop.
Let’s move to something the Cubs haven’t lacked this off-season, changes in the clubhouse. First taking a page out of Boston’s book, bringing Theo Epstein and his side-kick Jed Hoyer over; in an attempt to rejuvenate the franchise and aggravate White Sox fans. And since their arrival, it’s been nothing but big time business in the transactions department. The most noteworthy of them being the recent ousting of the hot-head Carlos “Me and Ozzie are gonna’ spit fire in Miami” Zambrano. Which most Cub fans probably aren’t too upset with, although they might have liked to see more than 43 wins since they re-signed him in 2008. They have also lost their RBI leader from last season, Aramis Ramirez, to the Brew Crew; it’s a shame they couldn’t snag the Crew’s former RBI “soon to be king” leader in return.
They have opted for a cheaper and hopefully promising option at 1st base in Anthony Rizzo, who thrived in the minors but saw early struggles when given the opportunity in San Diego. Similar to the Rizzo deal, Cubs management has spent the rest of their time, energy, and money on focusing in bringing in young prospering talent to begin reconstructing the franchise. And I would only expect continued, frequent moves from Epstein and Hoyer, especially in the pitching department, with the reports of a possible Garza departure.
The young talent and new team outlook should encourage Cubs fans to be more excited for something other than basketball or hockey when April comes around. Well for their other sports’ team sake, let’s say May or June just to be safe. Don’t start selling your October Bears tickets yet Cubs fans; you’re most likely still headed for another playoff “dearth” season in 2012. Really you’ve waited this long, what’s a couple more years?
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