O/T: Cubs fans. Whose your ace?

[DG10]

Bullpens have become the story tonight. I wasn't stunned that Chapman blew a save but I'm stunned that a lefty had the big blow against him. I was literally ripping Bochy for leaving Gillaspie in there and then he rips a triple. Guess that's why Bochy has won three WS and I haven't.

The fact that Romo blew the save didn't surprise me whatsoever. As I said before the series started, the Giants bullpen is garbage.

This game is very important to the Cubs. They are going to win this series either way but wrapping it up tonight would allow them to set up their rotation for the next round. Lose tonight and they go to tomorrow facing a game that will be largely dependent on Matt Moore's control. They lose tomorrow then you burn Lester in game 5 to wrap up the series. Either Washington or LA have rotations that could present problems if the Cubs aren't set up with their optimal rotation.

Cubs really needed to win that game, given the circumstances and opportunities that they had...and it is never a good thing to give the Giants extra chances and confidence.

Chapman has simply not been dominant with the Cubs...personally, he just has seemed (and seems) somewhat detached and disinterested, and I have felt that way about him since they traded for him. The guy still has electric stuff no doubt, but, whereas when he used to come into a game it felt like the game was flat out over, I just don't feel that way now...and no doubt the Giants don't/won't after that debacle either.

The point about being able to set the rotation for the next series is a very good one, although I think the Cubs could/would be ok with either Hendricks or Lester in Game 1 at Wrigley if the Cubs were to advance and it came to that.

I still feel like the Cubs are the better team and that they should win the series, especially having taken Games 1 and 2 and only having to see Bumgarner one time...but, the Cubs fan in me is fully expecting a Game 5 after what happened last night, and if it came to that, the outcome would not shock me either way.

While I think the Cubs on paper have the better bullpen as you have suggested, it did not play out that way last night certainly, and, it will be interesting to see what happens tonight, as they likely are going to play a role on both sides again.

 

[DG10]

Bullpens have become the story tonight. I wasn't stunned that Chapman blew a save but I'm stunned that a lefty had the big blow against him. I was literally ripping Bochy for leaving Gillaspie in there and then he rips a triple. Guess that's why Bochy has won three WS and I haven't.

The fact that Romo blew the save didn't surprise me whatsoever. As I said before the series started, the Giants bullpen is garbage.

This game is very important to the Cubs. They are going to win this series either way but wrapping it up tonight would allow them to set up their rotation for the next round. Lose tonight and they go to tomorrow facing a game that will be largely dependent on Matt Moore's control. They lose tomorrow then you burn Lester in game 5 to wrap up the series. Either Washington or LA have rotations that could present problems if the Cubs aren't set up with their optimal rotation.

While thinking about it and without a lot of others to discuss it with...while you questioned Bochy, Maddon had a couple of very questionable moves last night certainly also...personally, I thought he overmanaged and overthought things and that it ultimately bit him.

Whereas you were ripping Bochy for leaving Gillaspie in, I felt strongly about the decision to pitch to Panik rather than walk him at the end, as that did not make any sense to me...and it certainly turned out to be a bad choice.

 

[ahhculdee]

I hope this isn't a choke job by the Cubs.

 

[DG10]

I hope this isn't a choke job by the Cubs.

Looking precisely like that at the moment unfortunately...Lackey was not good at all this evening, which is disappointing in that it is why they got him, never mind in light of all of his big talk...he definitely did not deliver.

If it does get to Game 5, the weight of the world rests on the Cubs, and that has not boded well for them obviously...and, as TC4Three mentioned in a post above, they now enter the NLDS without their rotation in place.

They had a golden opportunity last night and failed to take advantage of it...tonight has been just a choke job as you suggested...will be very interesting to see what happens on Thursday, as I have absolutely no idea at all what to expect...although I am admittedly fearing the worst, as it would be so Cub-esque.

 

[boilerzz]

Looking precisely like that at the moment unfortunately...Lackey was not good at all this evening, which is disappointing in that it is why they got him, never mind in light of all of his big talk...he definitely did not deliver.

If it does get to Game 5, the weight of the world rests on the Cubs, and that has not boded well for them obviously...and, as TC4Three mentioned in a post above, they now enter the NLDS without their rotation in place.

They had a golden opportunity last night and failed to take advantage of it...tonight has been just a choke job as you suggested...will be very interesting to see what happens on Thursday, as I have absolutely no idea at all what to expect...although I am admittedly fearing the worst, as it would be so Cub-esque.

You and I obviously have very different definitions of choking. A road loss to another playoff team (if that occurs), particularly one wth the playoff experience of SF, is hardly choking IMO.

 

[TC4THREE]

Well someone looks to be choking but not sure if it is the Cubs.

 

[TC4THREE]

Giants bullpen for the playoffs will not be the same as for the regular season. So I disagree that it is not good. They will be tough on the Cubs. And Moore will give the Giants 3 quality starters for these games. The travel days spread it out so these 3 will pitch more than you are expecting.

Horrific bullpen.

 

[DG10]

Well someone looks to be choking but not sure if it is the Cubs.

Ding, Dong...the witch is dead!

Cubs had no business winning that game...but that has happened multiple times this year.

To your credit, you nailed it even before the series with your assessment of the Giants bullpen being the achilles heel, as it is indeed what did them in.

This Cubs team has been extremely resilient all year, playing to the finish in just about every game and being in just above every game as a result...props to them.

They seem to be different from past Cubs teams, and what just happened only is more affirmation of that...hopefully it will continue to be a very special (and enjoyable) year.

 

[DG10]

You and I obviously have very different definitions of choking. A road loss to another playoff team (if that occurs), particularly one wth the playoff experience of SF, is hardly choking IMO.

Blowing the game last night as they had, and playing as they did for 8 innings tonight...was every bit a case of choking...individually in many cases, but collectively as well...only to see SF actually flat out choke in epic fashion, and if we might disagree on the first point with respect to choking, I am confident that we will agree on the latter.

 

[boilerzz]

Blowing the game last night as they had, and playing as they did for 8 innings tonight...was every bit a case of choking...individually in many cases, but collectively as well...only to see SF actually flat out choke in epic fashion, and if we might disagree on the first point with respect to choking, I am confident that we will agree on the latter.

I personally think the term choke is one of the most overused and inappropriately used terms in sport, which are by nature a zero sum game with one team making plays and one team being the victim of those plays.

 

[DG10]

I personally think the term choke is one of the most overused and inappropriately used terms in sport, which are by nature a zero sum game with one team making plays and one team being the victim of those plays.

Maybe in more cases than not, but, they are some genuine examples of indeed choking as well.

Regardless, in this case, I am just thrilled that the Cubs somehow came back and won that game, as they had no business doing so...it made up for the disappointment of what happened last night.

 

[boilerzz]

Maybe in more cases than not, but, they are some genuine examples of indeed choking as well.
.

I don't disagree with that. But I don't think it works nearly as much in baseball, where getting a hit 3 out of 10 times makes you a hall of famer, as it does in a sport like basketball where sadly, I'd say Vince Edwards choked by freezing at a critical juncture.

 

[DG10]

I don't disagree with that. But I don't think it works nearly as much in baseball, where getting a hit 3 out of 10 times makes you a hall of famer, as it does in a sport like basketball where sadly, I'd say Vince Edwards choked by freezing at a critical juncture.

I agree...there are some examples I think in baseball, but, not nearly as clear as it is in other sports (and basketball in particular).

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

TC nailed this with the bullpen issues for the SF Giants.....first time in postseason play in 30 years with losing a 9th inning lead like that.....going back to that crazy '86 season.

Works out well for the Cubs as LA/Wash goes to a deciding game.....Maddon can set his rotation better.

How bout a Tribe/Cubs WS?

 

[TC4THREE]

Who do Cubs fans want to see in the NLCS?

I can't decide. I thought the Cubs and Nationals were the two best rosters for the postseason immediately after the trade deadline but losing Wilson Ramos and not having Strasburg really hurts them. Ramos is a middle-of-the-order bat at the catcher position and you can't just replace that. Strasburg, along with Scherzer, is an ace that can dominate. Instead of having to face those 2 in 4 different games in a series now you only have Scherzer for 2.

On the flip side, the Dodgers have Kershaw who, in my opinion, is the best pitcher in baseball when you consider the past 5 years. My problem with the Dodgers is their lineup really struggles against left-handed pitching and the Cubs have plenty of that with Lester and in their bullpen.

I like the top of the Nationals order better but without Ramos I think the bottom of their order has an extra hole in it. Kind of like having 2 pitchers hitting in the 8/9 spot instead of just one in the 9th hole.

Both bullpens are far better than the Giants. I somewhat prefer the Dodgers bullpen to the Nationals but it's not by much.

Game 5 will be fun tomorrow night. There is nothing like a winner-take-all game in baseball because it is so different than anything else you see all year long. Nationals have an edge being at home and having their ace on the mound but that edge they have to start the game can turn into a whole lot of pressure really quick if the Dodgers get up a couple runs. Can't wait.

 

[TC4THREE]

TC nailed this with the bullpen issues for the SF Giants.....first time in postseason play in 30 years with losing a 9th inning lead like that.....going back to that crazy '86 season.

Works out well for the Cubs as LA/Wash goes to a deciding game.....Maddon can set his rotation better.

How bout a Tribe/Cubs WS?

As a Yankees fan, I'd love to see that WS matchup because that's the two teams that traded the Yankees for their closers. I've maintained that Miller is better than Chapman so it would be fun to test that theory out head-to-head on that stage.

 

[boilerzz]

Who do Cubs fans want to see in the NLCS?

I can't decide. I thought the Cubs and Nationals were the two best rosters for the postseason immediately after the trade deadline but losing Wilson Ramos and not having Strasburg really hurts them. Ramos is a middle-of-the-order bat at the catcher position and you can't just replace that. Strasburg, along with Scherzer, is an ace that can dominate. Instead of having to face those 2 in 4 different games in a series now you only have Scherzer for 2.

On the flip side, the Dodgers have Kershaw who, in my opinion, is the best pitcher in baseball when you consider the past 5 years. My problem with the Dodgers is their lineup really struggles against left-handed pitching and the Cubs have plenty of that with Lester and in their bullpen.

I like the top of the Nationals order better but without Ramos I think the bottom of their order has an extra hole in it. Kind of like having 2 pitchers hitting in the 8/9 spot instead of just one in the 9th hole.

Both bullpens are far better than the Giants. I somewhat prefer the Dodgers bullpen to the Nationals but it's not by much.

Game 5 will be fun tomorrow night. There is nothing like a winner-take-all game in baseball because it is so different than anything else you see all year long. Nationals have an edge being at home and having their ace on the mound but that edge they have to start the game can turn into a whole lot of pressure really quick if the Dodgers get up a couple runs. Can't wait.

I think I'd rather play the Dodgers but I'm not completely convinced.

• Kershaw is great but hasn't been in the postseason. And if he doesn't start until game 2, then he likely doesn't pitch again until game 5 and is unavailable to start game 7 (if needed)
• Hill has been underrated all year but he's coming off an injury himself and is starting game 5 on short rest. That could be a recipe for disaster.
• No other Dodgers starter is frightening. Maeda looked terrible in the NLDS and Urias hasn't even pitched yet, which speaks to the Dodgers confidence in him IMO. I think Gio and Roark are better and Strasburg could come back for the NLCS
• The Dodgers don't have Daniel Murphy

 

[TC4THREE]

I think I'd rather play the Dodgers but I'm not completely convinced.

• Kershaw is great but hasn't been in the postseason. And if he doesn't start until game 2, then he likely doesn't pitch again until game 5 and is unavailable to start game 7 (if needed)
• Hill has been underrated all year but he's coming off an injury himself and is starting game 5 on short rest. That could be a recipe for disaster.
• No other Dodgers starter is frightening. Maeda looked terrible in the NLDS and Urias hasn't even pitched yet, which speaks to the Dodgers confidence in him IMO. I think Gio and Roark are better and Strasburg could come back for the NLCS
• The Dodgers don't have Daniel Murphy

Those are all valid points.

I'm not a Cubs fan so I'm just kind of looking at it from an entertainment value perspective and for some reason the Nationals matchup just feels bigger to me. Plus I think that the Nationals and Cubs could develop a nice rivalry in the upcoming years as both appear poised to be contenders for the next several years in my opinion. Might as well get that started with a playoff series this year.

 

[Mandeville LA]

Toronto scares the hell out of me. I would rather play anyone else. For the NLCS I would rather play LA at times that have shown an inability to hit anyone for long stretches.

The longer the Cubs keep winning the shorter the time is between the end of the baseball season and opening tip off.

 

[punaj]

Isn't Dusty Baker, former Cubs manager, the manager of the Nats now? That seems fitting for him to come back to Wrigley and ruin a Cubs shot. So that alone makes me feel like the Dodgers are a safer bet.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Isn't Dusty Baker, former Cubs manager, the manager of the Nats now? That seems fitting for him to come back to Wrigley and ruin a Cubs shot. So that alone makes me feel like the Dodgers are a safer bet.

He is Punaj.....and of course, Baker was the Cubs' skipper when it looked like the "curse" would end in 2003......until:

 

[punaj]

He is Punaj.....and of course, Baker was the Cubs' skipper when it looked like the "curse" would end in 2003......until:

I still remember yelling at my TV when that happened and thinking the Cubs are going to lose the series now, even though they were ahead that game at the time and in the series I believe.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

I still remember yelling at my TV when that happened and thinking the Cubs are going to lose the series now, even though they were ahead that game at the time and in the series I believe.

agreed......Bartman got way too much blame for that, but unfortunately, that's what happens when emotions runneth over......I saw a subsequent special in later years about it......really felt bad for the guy after seeing what he went through. it was a mistake, but an honest one in the heat of the moment for a fan at a game when a live ball comes your way......quintessential example of being in the wrong place at the wrong time......my sister was living in Chicago at that time and relayed all sorts of "stories."

 

[punaj]

agreed......Bartman got way too much blame for that, but unfortunately, that's what happens when emotions runneth over......I saw a subsequent special in later years about it......really felt bad for the guy after seeing what he went through. it was a mistake, but an honest one in the heat of the moment for a fan at a game when a live ball comes your way......quintessential example of being in the wrong place at the wrong time......my sister was living in Chicago at that time and relayed all sorts of "stories."

Yeah, I feel bad for him. I would have done the same thing... I think there were like six other fans right there grabbing for it and I don't even think he was the first to touch it. Nailed it with wrong place, wrong time.

 

[Mandeville LA]

I sure remember the Bartman ball, but has always stuck with me was the booted ground. All to short (Alex Arias) that I believe would have ended the inning. The flood gates opened after that. Wood hit a hr early in the game and I thought fore sure it was a sign the Cubs could not be beat. Now that I think about it I don't think it was Alex in that game. Does anyone remember who the SS was?

 

[punaj]

Alex Gonzalez I think... could have been an inning ending double play but he booted it. In my superstitious baseball mind, the foul ball started it all though

 

[gr8indoorsman]

I've long been a proponent that Jon Lester is their best pitcher in spite of whatever flashes in the pan might be going on elsewhere in their rotation. Just curious what others thought.

Lester is their best pitcher long term, but when you were yammering on about starting Lester over Arrieta last year in the one-game wild card, you were wrong. Arrieta was one of the best pitchers we've ever seen over the course of about a full season spanning 2015 and 2016. His control has gone back to "normal" now and he's just merely very good. So, my answer right now would be Lester, but last year when you were upset about it, and coupled with the fact that Lester is better this year than he was last year, Arrieta was the right answer.

Are you trying to bring this topic back up and try to claim you were right? Please say no.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

Alex Gonzalez I think... could have been an inning ending double play but he booted it. In my superstitious baseball mind, the foul ball started it all though

Yeah, it was Alex Gonzalez misplaying a grounder from Miguel Cabrera (yes, the Marlins accumulated some talent in the late 90's early 2000's).....could have ended the inning with the Cubs up 3-1. Prior was pitching a gem up until then. Wood started Game 7 the next night.

Might as well dredge up the highlights, folks.....for old times' sake......

 

[boilerzz]

Yeah, it was Alex Gonzalez misplaying a grounder from Miguel Cabrera (yes, the Marlins accumulated some talent in the late 90's early 2000's).....could have ended the inning with the Cubs up 3-1. Prior was pitching a gem up until then. Wood started Game 7 the next night.

Might as well dredge up the highlights, folks.....for old times' sake......

View embedded media

No way in hell am I watching those!

 

[TC4THREE]

Lester is their best pitcher long term, but when you were yammering on about starting Lester over Arrieta last year in the one-game wild card, you were wrong. Arrieta was one of the best pitchers we've ever seen over the course of about a full season spanning 2015 and 2016. His control has gone back to "normal" now and he's just merely very good. So, my answer right now would be Lester, but last year when you were upset about it, and coupled with the fact that Lester is better this year than he was last year, Arrieta was the right answer.

Are you trying to bring this topic back up and try to claim you were right? Please say no.

Take it to mean what you want. My opinion has always been that Lester was the better overall pitcher and the guy I'd want on the mound in a winner-take-all game if I had the Cubs pitching staff. Of course, anyone can look good over a stretch.

FYI, Arrieta's ERA from June on this year was over 4.00.

 

[TC4THREE]

Yeah, it was Alex Gonzalez misplaying a grounder from Miguel Cabrera (yes, the Marlins accumulated some talent in the late 90's early 2000's).....could have ended the inning with the Cubs up 3-1. Prior was pitching a gem up until then. Wood started Game 7 the next night.

Might as well dredge up the highlights, folks.....for old times' sake......

View embedded media

Forgot how big of an inning that was. Just knew the Cubs coughed up the lead forgot it was an 8 run inning. Silly to blame that on just one play.

 

[gr8indoorsman]

Take it to mean what you want. My opinion has always been that Lester was the better overall pitcher and the guy I'd want on the mound in a winner-take-all game if I had the Cubs pitching staff. Of course, anyone can look good over a stretch.

FYI, Arrieta's ERA from June on this year was over 4.00.

So you don't think that answer can change over the course of a year? Pitching Lester in the single game last year over Arrieta wasn't the right answer in October of 2015, but pitching him over Jake this year would be the right answer. I agree that performance can ebb and flow. I agree that Lester is the overall better pitcher. But that wasn't the debate at the time, and you were wrong then and you're still wrong about it now. That the answer has changed over the course of the year doesn't make what was the right answer (and proven to be the right answer!) in October of 2015 any different.

Arrieta's ERA since June of 2016 has no impact on the answer in October of 2015. That Lester is their ace today doesn't mean Lester was their ace in October 2015. I truly can't believe you're still trying to win this argument after you put so much energy into it last year. Arrieta won the friggin' NL Cy Young.

9.0IP 5H 0BB 0R 0ER 11K

That was Arrieta's line in the game where you debated this until you were blue in the face. You were wrong. Time to stop hanging on.

 

[Mandeville LA]

Alex Gonzalez I think... could have been an inning ending double play but he booted it. In my superstitious baseball mind, the foul ball started it all though

I had been growing a beard for about six weeks. Last night I came home and shaved it off without a thought about it. I do have a baseball that I only get out during the playoffs. I believe it only has so much power so I was hopping to be able to leave it in the cabinet for this first round. I got it out last night in the fifth inning.

 

[Purdue Grad in Texas]

No way in hell am I watching those!

Sorry, ZZ......it's that human weakness of "can't turn away from a train wreck..."

 

[TC4THREE]

So you don't think that answer can change over the course of a year? Pitching Lester in the single game last year over Arrieta wasn't the right answer in October of 2015, but pitching him over Jake this year would be the right answer. I agree that performance can ebb and flow. I agree that Lester is the overall better pitcher. But that wasn't the debate at the time, and you were wrong then and you're still wrong about it now. That the answer has changed over the course of the year doesn't make what was the right answer (and proven to be the right answer!) in October of 2015 any different.

Arrieta's ERA since June of 2016 has no impact on the answer in October of 2015. That Lester is their ace today doesn't mean Lester was their ace in October 2015. I truly can't believe you're still trying to win this argument after you put so much energy into it last year. Arrieta won the friggin' NL Cy Young.

9.0IP 5H 0BB 0R 0ER 11K

That was Arrieta's line in the game where you debated this until you were blue in the face. You were wrong. Time to stop hanging on.

Think I admitted he was the right pitcher to pitch when they won the game. Doesn't mean that Lester wouldn't have won it though and certainly doesn't mean that Lester isn't the better pitcher. The only question was really when Jake Arrieta was going to revert back to being Jake Arrieta.

 

[gr8indoorsman]

Think I admitted he was the right pitcher to pitch when they won the game. Doesn't mean that Lester wouldn't have won it though and certainly doesn't mean that Lester isn't the better pitcher. The only question was really when Jake Arrieta was going to revert back to being Jake Arrieta.

I don't disagree with any of that, but Lester was certainly not the better pitcher at that time or really over the course of the entire season last year. That said, you say "revert back to being Jake Arrieta" like that's a terrible thing. If he's your third starter, your staff is pretty good, even if it's post-June Jake.

 

[Inspector100]

Giants bullpen for the playoffs will not be the same as for the regular season. So I disagree that it is not good. They will be tough on the Cubs. And Moore will give the Giants 3 quality starters for these games. The travel days spread it out so these 3 will pitch more than you are expecting.

Well, congratulations to the Cubs and their fans for winning the series with the Giants. It looked pretty scary for awhile because the Giant starting pitching is so strong and deep, but the relievers for the Giants played the playoff games as they did the regular season. As you can see from my earlier post quoted above, I predicted their relief pitching would be much better because the playoffs were different. So now the crow has flown into the kitchen and has been prepared for diner. I now eat that crow and must tell you, I am enjoying it. I am a Dodger fan and would hate that the Giants would limp into the playoffs and steal the World Series as they did several times in the last few years.

Some of the rest of you should consider that when you are wrong, eat the crow and learn to enjoy it. There are benefits.

 

[DG10]

Who do Cubs fans want to see in the NLCS?

I can't decide. I thought the Cubs and Nationals were the two best rosters for the postseason immediately after the trade deadline but losing Wilson Ramos and not having Strasburg really hurts them. Ramos is a middle-of-the-order bat at the catcher position and you can't just replace that. Strasburg, along with Scherzer, is an ace that can dominate. Instead of having to face those 2 in 4 different games in a series now you only have Scherzer for 2.

On the flip side, the Dodgers have Kershaw who, in my opinion, is the best pitcher in baseball when you consider the past 5 years. My problem with the Dodgers is their lineup really struggles against left-handed pitching and the Cubs have plenty of that with Lester and in their bullpen.

I like the top of the Nationals order better but without Ramos I think the bottom of their order has an extra hole in it. Kind of like having 2 pitchers hitting in the 8/9 spot instead of just one in the 9th hole.

Both bullpens are far better than the Giants. I somewhat prefer the Dodgers bullpen to the Nationals but it's not by much.

Game 5 will be fun tomorrow night. There is nothing like a winner-take-all game in baseball because it is so different than anything else you see all year long. Nationals have an edge being at home and having their ace on the mound but that edge they have to start the game can turn into a whole lot of pressure really quick if the Dodgers get up a couple runs. Can't wait.

I don't know that there is a real genuine preference...some interesting story lines either way...some pluses or minuses for either.

Travel would be easier if it were the Nationals...nicer weather if the Dodgers...Cubs have had some success against both Scherzer and Kershaw, but, at the same time, it is Scherzer and Kershaw.

Personally, it is more about the Cubs at this point to me than it is about who they play...they have home field advantage...they get to set their rotation again...they have been tested and responded...and, they have some guys that are due to get hot it would seem with the bat.

There have been some great games on the National League side, and should be some more in the NLDS.

 

[Inspector100]

I think I'd rather play the Dodgers but I'm not completely convinced.

• Kershaw is great but hasn't been in the postseason. And if he doesn't start until game 2, then he likely doesn't pitch again until game 5 and is unavailable to start game 7 (if needed)
• Hill has been underrated all year but he's coming off an injury himself and is starting game 5 on short rest. That could be a recipe for disaster.
• No other Dodgers starter is frightening. Maeda looked terrible in the NLDS and Urias hasn't even pitched yet, which speaks to the Dodgers confidence in him IMO. I think Gio and Roark are better and Strasburg could come back for the NLCS
• The Dodgers don't have Daniel Murphy

I am a Dodger fan and agree with your assessment, but not necessarily for the same reasons.

Kershaw hasn't been able to finish his business in every playoff game, but has been plenty tough on the competition. But this season is different because he has returned from a back injury and has not been as physically strong with great stamina as in the past. His game is now limited to about 95 pitches before he looses his control and then must come out.

Hill has been great after rehabilitating blisters on the fingers of his pitching hand. But his game is also limited due to the impact of those injuries. And he has not pitched well when going on short rest as he will tomorrow night.

Maeda has run out of gas because the season is so long. The only other pitcher that I have confidence in is Jansen, the closer. He has given up his home run for the playoffs already. He should be solid the rest of the games.

 

[Mandeville LA]

I find it a little odd that there is so much talk about starting strength with potintial match ups with the Cubs without mentioning Lester. Lester was a nice pick up for the Cubs, but he was brought in to win playoff and WS games something he has showed to excel at. Plus I believe he wins the Cy Young this year.

The Cubs have the best starting rotation and bullpen in Baseball. Maybe that is just a given ?