I usually try to avoid analogies to other sports because they are inherently imperfect and flawed. But I can’t help feeling like the Cubs are that veteran NFL team that seemingly goes 9-7 or 10-6 every season. They go 7-1 at home, pretty much regardless of who they play year over year. Then they win two or three road games and again, they aren’t necessarily the easiest two or three road games. The kind of team that is capable of beating any team on any day, even that juggernaut that’s been rolling over anyone. Then occasionally they mail it in and get beat by a team that is several years away from its next playoff berth.