Injuries and The Curse of Wrigley Field

Injuries are a part of any sport and injuries to key players have dominated the MLB headlines over the past few years. This year is proving to be no different once again as some superstars have yet to see any game action and some big name studs seem to head to the DL every day. Maybe it’s the strenuous schedule of the season or a backlash from the steroid era, we can’t be too sure. What we can be certain of is that injuries have, and will continue to, have a major impact on the MLB standings. Let’s take a quick look at one team that is struggling mightily so far due to injuries but hoping to turn things around soon, the Chicago Cubs.

Early on this season the Cubs are sitting right near the basement of the National League Central and much of their struggles can be blamed on injury. The good news for Cubs fans is that the road to recovery is well under way it appears the team may be at full health rather soon. Manager Lou Piniella is not blaming injuries completely for the abysmal season so far but is ecstatic at the prospect of having a full team to field rather soon.

Big free agent acquisition Milton Bradley is back in the line-up but still struggling going 0 for 14 in his last few games. The really good news is that first baseman Derek lee and third baseman Aramis Ramirez are both poised to return sometime later this week. That will solidify the heart of the Cubs order and give Bradley the protection he needs. Lee has been out with neck spasm and Ramirez has been struggling with calf issues. Ramirez may be out a bit longer but will not be out for as long as earlier projected.

The loss of Bradley, Ramirez and Lee can be blamed for a lot of the problems and struggles that other Cubs players have been going through. The other younger role players such as sophomore Geovany Soto are not ready to carry the team on their backs and rely on the big guns to push them to be their best. Truth be told, the Cubs need their stars back pronto before the season becomes a complete loss. Unless they can get healthy and get back in the thick of the NL Central soon, it may be too late and the Curse of Wrigley Field may just continue.