The team that had once led its division found itself slipping back, unable to maintain the momentum of its April and May. While the record was hardly a source of pride, it was the proximity to.
Chicago Cubs 2012 Collapse Causes: Injuries, Pitching, and Defensive Struggles
Up the middle, the cornerstones of a potential dynasty seemed solid, with Starlin Castro anchoring shortstop and Anthony Rizzo providing power at first base. Manager Dale Sveum inherited a club that looked capable of competing in a tough National League Central, a division featuring the eventual World Series champion Cardinals.
As the summer heat settled in, the Cubs' performance began to unravel. The campaign ultimately unfolded as a narrative of near-misses and dramatic swings, cementing its place as a memorable, though ultimately bittersweet, chapter in the team's history.
Chicago Cubs 2012 Collapse Causes: Injuries, Inconsistency, and the Unraveling of a Promising Season
A confluence of injuries to key players, inconsistent pitching, and defensive lapses led to a stunning collapse. Jeff Samardzija, in his first full year as a starter, provided flashes of the ace potential that led to his later trade.
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