... that Lou came out after the players had their little scrum and congratulated all of them.

But clearly, for the short term, he’s a better option than Ward, who will be gone next year anyway. I say yes to this, too.

Either way, the Cubs couldn’t meet either Milwaukee or St. Louis till the NLCS (because you can’t play a team in your own division in the first round).

Cubs have played both teams pretty well. Obviously, I wouldn’t want the Cubs to lose any games they play, even after they’ve already clinched, if it happens the way you describe. I see the Cardinals have a favorable schedule, finishing at home vs. Arizona & Cincinnati.

The Cubs would look mighty stupid “letting” the Brewers get in and then losing the NLCS to them. I realize that you’re not suggesting the Cubs do that, however.

To answer your question, I’d rather the Cardinals got in. Like CaliCub says above, the Brewers seem to have a stronger team. If the Cubs get to the NLCS, whoever they will play will be deserving to be there, but I think Milwaukee has a stronger team this year.

w/ your defense and manager, (and the exception of yesterday) they’re going to be close games.

I love Fonzie.

For the moment, the White Sox have Horacio Ramirez. I’m not convinced that’s a good idea, but whatever.

It’s easy to say that Sean Marshall would be a better #5 starter (maybe he would be), but you have just crossed one more pitcher off of your depth chart as you would only get minor leaguers in return. Given Harden’s history, we need some insurance for him and that insurance cannot be Donald Veal. Gaudin can’t be Harden’s insurance, because we need him as insurance against Wood getting hurt, Marmol losing his slider, Howry continuing his meltdown, or Spellcheck remembering that he is a rookie.

If the Cubs re-sign Dempster and pick up Harden’s option in the off-season, then I think Marquis will be traded.

but they are better than the ESPN crew that will be calling tonights game. I am happy that tonight I will be listening to it on the radio.

If you’re expecting national announcers to be overtly rooting for “your” team, you will always be disappointed or think they’re pulling for the other team.

I thought they were objective and fair.

For what it’s worth, I think Eric Karros really would like to see the Cubs win because of how much fun he had being a Cub in 2003—and he was part of the broadcast team yesterday.

as they sometimes choose national feeds over home feeds. It will not be the StL feed. It will either be Pat & Ron or ESPN Radio. My guess is it will be ESPN Radio guys.

Well done!