Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer recently drove from Arizona to Chicago with his dogs. I have to think that at some point during the journey he brought up what he calls the cyclical nature of baseball and that at least one of his pets replied, “You must be referring to the rebuild.’’
“Rebuild” is not a word Hoyer recognizes because he knows a complete overhaul brings very little short- to midterm joy for fans and because he and ownership know that selling hope is smart business. The Cubs want butts in seats, and that requires at least the veneer of possibility. This being Wrigley Field, beer and sunshine would probably suffice, though.
