Imrem: Cubs will have odd, but nice, break

Odd is the first word that came to mind while walking into Wrigley Field on Sunday morning.

"Yes," Cubs manager Joe Maddon agreed.

Odd indeed.

It's like, why doesn't the postseason begin right now? Why do the Cubs have to wait for a bunch of slugs to join them in the field? Why, why, why?

The Cubs won't open their playoff run until Oct. 7 in Game 1 of the National League Division Series.

That Friday will mark three weeks since the Cubs officially clinched the NL Central title.

Well, maybe that's not all that long considering the Cubs unofficially clinched the division three months earlier.

Still, 21 days is an eternal intensity break in baseball.

Think of what you might experience during the next three weeks: Three losses in fantasy football, as many as three baths and three traffic violations to lose your driver's license.

Still, the Cubs plan to make good use of the relative calm.

Maddon sounds like he's really looking forward to achieving at least 100 victories and securing the NL's best record.

The Cubs might accomplish those sooner than later, too, which still would leave like a week of sitting in the cockpit without turning the ignition key.

Isn't it dangerous to have so much time to ponder the state of the world inside and outside of baseball?

"I don't think so," Maddon said.

Is anxiety settling in yet?

"No," Maddon said.

Ah, but it's just so unnatural.

The Cubs will have five days between the last game of the regular season and the first game of the postseason.

Depending on how Maddon wants to map the Cubs' playoff rotation, the initial starting pitcher will have more than the customary four days rest when he strolls to the mound.

Again, all-star week notwithstanding, "breaks" are unnatural in baseball. Edges are maintained by playing. Pitchers like staying in rhythm. Hitters don't maintain momentum by sitting.

Maddon has been through just about everything during his decades in organized baseball.

Not this, though. Maddon might have to ask one of the few that have been through a similar oddity or perhaps he'll just do what he does best: Make sense of the situation.

"In my mind's eye," Maddon said, "just get through this weekend …"

No easy task judging by three losses in four celebration-soaked games against the lowly Brewers.

" ... and then," Maddon continued, "really start to develop that plan."

There certainly is work to be done like establishing a postseason roster, deciding who will pitch which NLDS game and keeping all the players fresh.

Included are part-time players.

"I want to keep those guys involved," Maddon said before conceding, "but it is awkward."

All of these managerial machinations come under the heading of "nice problems to have" - wouldn't the Giants and Mets love to have them? - and they are luxuries as much as necessities.

Cubs players can make the "nice problem" nicer by staying in peak physical condition while maintaining their mental focus.

"It's all in the mindset of how you approach the game," pitcher Kyle Hendricks said. "I don't think it'll be a problem."

One benefit is the Blackhawks will have three weeks to begin growing the Cubs' playoff beards.

Talk about odd.

mimrem@dailyherald.com