October is close

The Cubs are almost back in the postseason, but the wild-card race is still tight enough that their first-round site remains uncertain.

“The wild-card standings are tight enough”

Wrigley is the goal

They want playoff games back at Wrigley Field, where last fall they gave fans a home series and won the wild-card round.

“They’d like to be playing hosts at Wrigley Field.”

Last year still stings

The Cubs beat the Padres, then fell to the Brewers in the NLDS. That quick exit has followed them into this season.

“left a bad taste in their mouths”

The bar moved

Fans will expect more than a repeat, and the clubhouse feels the same. Making the playoffs is no longer the full measure.

PCA wants better

Pete Crow-Armstrong said last year gave people a taste of playoff baseball. Now the Cubs have to bring it back and make it count.

“it’s time to do it again and do it better”

The Brewers are gone

Milwaukee has pulled too far ahead in the NL Central, starting Tuesday 9.5 games up with only a small slate left.

The road may call

The Cubs are battling the Phillies, with the Padres and Diamondbacks close behind. That could send them away from home to start October.

Counsell accepts it

Craig Counsell said every team wants home games, but the Cubs will not lower their goals if the first round starts on the road.

“Are we going to shy away from a challenge on the road? Nope.”

Pressure follows Counsell

Counsell arrived with big expectations after the Cubs hired him away from Milwaukee. He still has not cleared the Brewers hurdle.

Players see the tone

David Peterson praised Counsell’s preparation and selflessness, saying it helps put players in positions where they can succeed.

“It starts with him and the preparedness that he has”

The group bought in

Peterson said the Cubs play for each other and stay aligned. He described a roster pulling in the same direction.

“pulling the rope in the same direction”

Bats and gloves lead

The Cubs woke up Tuesday with baseball’s best offense and best defense, proof they can match the goals they set in spring.

Braves offer a test

Facing the NL East-leading Braves gives the Cubs a playoff-style opponent before October, the kind Matthew Boyd said can help sharpen them.

Pitching is the worry

The starters have swung between strength and liability, while the bullpen has struggled during a late-season stumble.

Confidence remains high

Boyd said the Cubs feel close to clicking, with their best baseball still ahead as the postseason nears.

“I still believe our best baseball is ahead of us”