NLDS CHC vs ARI

Oddly, I never got too stressed over the game last night. Besides leaving some runs on the bases, the Cubs did just about everything else right. It seemed they were hitting balls hard, but never quite got under them enough to get them out and/or it was always right at someone.

As for taking Z out after the 6th, I'm sort of indifferent on it. I can see both sides of the coin. Ultimately, I think Pinella has a lot of confidence in his bullpen based on their performance up to this point, so he did what he did. Last night it just didn't work out. If anything, Marmol (that's MAR-mul, not mar-MOLE, Dick and Ron) was pressing too much. As soon as he threw his first pitch I thought he looked a little more wound up than normal.

BTW, what's Lilly's record this season following a Cubs loss? 9-1 I think it is.

 

AZ saw Lou yank Z after 85 pitches in a 1-1 game. That's a solid message if I'm the D-Backs. They (AZ) has to be thinking...we got to him, he's tired after 85 pitches...why else would Lou give him the hook? If I'm a Cub in that clubhouse, I'm wondering, why hook Z so soon?

You are trying to win a short series 3 and out. No 4 or 5 game deals. You want your staff rested for the NLCS, and you can set your rotation accordingly. Lou goofed, IMO, but pulling Zambrano at that point. He and Webb were nails, and Zambrano had juice left.

Right now, advantage AZ in the series, and in the psycological portion of the game. That can change, mind you.

 

I can see - barely - defending the decision to pull Zambrano to make sure he's ready for game 4, but if that's your plan, why let him hit in the 6th with 2 on? I know that he's a good hitting pitcher, but in reality, your chances of getting runs are gonna be better with a PH.

 

his AB made me think he was coming out for the 7th, which, IMHMFO, he should have.

 

NL West starts out 2-0 first day of the playoffs. That's what I'm talkin' aboat.

 

He wanted to save him for a game 4. Problem is, if they lose two more, there is no game 4.

 

as I said, you play to win a short series in 3...stretching it to 4 or 5 hurts you in the next round, if you make it. Zanbrano should have at least pitched the 7th.

 

shit

back to wrigley tho

 

Our big bats need to heat up and heat up fast. We had a runner on every single inning last night and only scored 4 runs....thats rediculous. Not to mention, over the past 2 games we have 17 runners on base and are 2 for 14 (.143) with runners in scoring position. I know that Lilly didn't have a good game and the pitching wasn't exactly stellar last night, but the cubs had plenty of opportunities to score and win that game. Back to Wrigleyville where I'm positive we'll take 2 and even it up to head back to Arizona........pray, pray real hard.

 

I'm not here to gloat, and laugh at you Cubs fans.

I am here to tell you all, that I am a man of my word, and when I make a bet and lose. I pay off.