The Chicago Cubs begin a three-game series at Wrigley Field against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday night, and then they’ll hit the road for a weekend series against the Boston Red Sox. One problem, though. A powerful nor’easter is headed directly toward Boston, and it could threaten all three games between the Cubs and Red Sox at Fenway Park.
With six games left to go, the Cubs currently stand atop the Wild Card standings, holding a narrow advantage over the San Diego Padres thanks to their head-to-head tiebreaker. Both teams have the same record at 87-69, and while both teams are close to clinching a spot in the postseason, home-field advantage for the opening round of the MLB playoffs is still up in the air.
So, it is very likely that the location for the Cubs’ Wild Card series will not be determined until this weekend, potentially decided until game 162, as the Philadelphia Phillies also trail by a game in the standings. The storm in Boston could cause some serious issues for the Cubs.
You would think MLB would have a plan in place, since this storm seriously threatens to wipe out multiple, if not all three, games in Boston this weekend.
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Well, according to Chicago baseball reporter Bruce Levine, the league is prepared to screw over the Cubs.
Via Bruce Levine.
Looking toward the bad weather expected in Boston, the league does not appear ready to change the venue. Playing on the Monday is an option. Starting games earlier and possible Double header also possible. Cubs must complete all 162 games if it impacts Padres/Phils seeding.
MLB could force the Cubs to play in Boston on Monday, and if they lose, they might have to fly cross-country that night to San Diego to start their Wild Card series the next day on the road against the Padres.
Even playing a doubleheader in Boston could alter pitching plans for the Cubs heading into the Wild Card series that will begin on Tuesday. Right now, all the Cubs can do is hope the forecast improves between now and their series opener on Friday against the Red Sox. If not, it could get extremely messy and, frankly, very annoying for the Cubs, who could get screwed over entering the playoffs.
That said, if they had won a few more games here and there earlier in the season, or if Jacob Webb hadn’t blown three straight save chances with two outs in the ninth that led to losses, the Cubs might not be in this position.
