Fans filled Wrigley Field, dreaming of a October run and the possibility of a long playoff drought being broken. This placed them ahead of only the Pittsburgh Pirates in the division.
2012 Season Start Analysis: Expectations and Early Performance
While the record was hardly a source of pride, it was the proximity to. Key Performances and Turning Points Despite the overall disappointment, individual moments of brilliance punctuated the 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.
2012 Season Start Analysis: Cubs' Hopes and Early Challenges
As the summer heat settled in, the Cubs' performance began to unravel. The Roster and Expectations Heading into 2012, the Cubs boasted a core that promised excitement.
More About Chicago cubs 2012
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