PHILADELPHIA -- Somewhere between Sloan Stadium in Arizona and Wrigley Field, Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon swapped his "Embrace the Target" T-shirt for a model with the words "Try Not to Suck" emblazoned across the front. Beyond that minor fashion statement, not much has changed around the team since the Cactus League.
Before the Cubs arrived in Philadelphia for a three-game series this week, I hadn't seen them up close and personal since spring training. The thing that struck me most in March -- beyond the seeming wealth of talent on the roster -- was the nonstop buzz and media attention surrounding the club.