Schedule Comparison - Brewers vs. Cubs

by billybuck on Aug 11, 2008 8:14 AM CDT

I just did a quick schedule comparison for the rest of the season and the remaining schedules definitely favor the Brewers in just about every comparison. Here's some of the key comparisons.

Home vs. Away Cubs 19 - 25 Brewers 23 - 21

Strength of Opponent
Cubs 23 games against playoff contending teams
Brewers 18 games against playoff contenders
(St.L,NY,LA,Phil,AZ,Chi,FL,Milw)

Games remaining against last place teams

                         Cubs 9   Brewers 14       
If you include Pitts     Cubs 12  Brewers 23

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Here's another comparison point

Cubs vs all contenders so far: 25-16
Mil vs. all contenders so far: 23-23

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 8:34 AM CDT reply actions

Great Stat

Thanks Al, I wanted to see there record against the better teams in the NL. Throw in the Rays and the White Sox and we are 28 – 22

by PieFan08 on Aug 11, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Schedule

it is what it is. See your point about the Brewers having a better Sept. schedule, however with 44 games to go, Cubs could go a mediocre 23-21 and post 94 wins, this would get them in the playoffs.
I see the Cubs playing better than that, and getting 97 wins. This team doesn’t lose its focus for a long period of time (5 games or more), they stay away from a bad run, I think they will be fine.
We will see this week, Atlanta is playing better, and Florida, no comment about FLA.

Go Cubs

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Aug 11, 2008 8:38 AM CDT reply actions

8-2 vs brewers and cardinals

Plus if you look at our last ten game agianst the cards and brewers we are 8-2. I still kind of half way expect a brewer meltdown in the month of September.

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Aug 11, 2008 8:44 AM CDT reply actions

Schedule definitley sucks....

Brewers finishing up a series against WASH…on to SD….on to whatever. I realize that the Braves are not looking great now but the truth is seven games against weak losing teams is pretty noce for the Brewers now. Pressure is on the Cubs to keep winning against tougher teams. That sucks! No two ways about it.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 11, 2008 8:47 AM CDT reply actions

It'd be real nice if the Nats could steal a game from them today.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Right?

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 11, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Made that Clubhouse fight go away pretty quick...

I was telling my fiance that if the Brewers would have been playing some tougher competition and lost a few of those games they may have already mentally checked out. Good timing on their part.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Aug 11, 2008 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah that's a shame...

oh well, they still have a losing streak or two in them. Let’s hope they are long ones.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 11, 2008 2:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Better to have to stay sharp!

I’m from the “coasting in lets a team lose intensity” old school. Having to struggle just to get in is not necessarily helpful, but I do think a team that has to protect its lead goes into the postseason in better mental shape tan one that just sits on a lead.

Of course, I still want the Cubs to win every game by 11 runs…

by MN exile on Aug 11, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions

It may suck, but it means that the Cubs already played weaker teams.

I agree with Grockcubs—it is what it is.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions

I know it is what it is...

just a harsh reality when looking at how this season may wrap up.

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 11, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not conceeding anything

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

What does that mean?

Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?

by Kinky Reggae on Aug 11, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions

I mean that on paper

Sure, the Cubs have a tougher schedule than the Brewers. But that doesn’t mean the Brewers will win more games between now and September 28. I’m not going to focus on the sched—just the Cubs winning a lot more games.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed, that game yesterday hurt because the Nats gave that

one away in the bottom of the 8th w/ a three run lead. I don’t expect much from them toady, but that’s why you play the game.

by billybuck on Aug 11, 2008 9:02 AM CDT reply actions

Except for interleague play

the schedule balances itself out. Remember all the games the Cubs played (and won) against the Pirates in April and May?

For the most part, the Cubs have risen to the occasion against good teams (despite some burps against the Rays and White Sox).

The ball is in their court.

by Clark Addison on Aug 11, 2008 9:23 AM CDT reply actions

Don't worry about Brewers

We are 7 games up from Cardinals. As much as we would all LOVE to win the division two years in a row, as long as we make it to October that’s all that matters.

by ak123 on Aug 11, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

I think winning the division is critically important...

because of the Cubs play on the road this year. Going into the playoffs with the best record in the NL would be huge.

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Aug 11, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree -- home field this year seems to mean more than in years past

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

No doubt about it.

I would much rather see them start a series at Wrigley than go on the road like last year.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by Fishbone2 on Aug 11, 2008 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions

"We are 7 games up from Cardinals. As much as we would all LOVE to win the division two years in a row, as long as we make it to October that’s all that matters."

by xene on Aug 11, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions

This post from Viva El Birdos summarizes it all

While the Cubs may have a more difficult schedule from here on out, we’re also the best and deepest team. I don’t think the Cubs will tire out or have an implosion the way the Brewers might. The Cards are going to have to play some amazing baseball to get back into the playoffs.

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Aug 11, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions

linky

http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2008/8/10/590760/long-walk-home

"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella

by El Borto on Aug 11, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions

I really don't see the problem with the schedule....

we’ll just have to continue to kick ass the rest of the year…get really hot the last week of the season…win the first round of the playoffs 3 games to 1….sweep the NLCS….and win the WS 4 games to 2. What’s the problem?

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 10:43 AM CDT reply actions

Your email

to God’s ears

by Mapmaker on Aug 11, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

just so long

as we win at home.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Cubs were blessed with beneficial schedule early, now the task is tougher

Cubs definitely have a tougher final 6 weeks than the Brewers and Cardinals. That just means they need to really stick down to business.

by MDBNIU on Aug 11, 2008 10:57 AM CDT reply actions

I agree.

I’m stickup up for you saying they need to stick down.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions

let me stick

a big “hail yeah” into this and also stick a big congrats to you for sticking to your fake game where we really stuck it to the spiders.

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

our record in make-believe games is 1-0

just sayin’

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions

and another one tonight!

I wonder who we’re playing…

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

You'll have to ask Galvan....

I believe he’s putting it together….and it’s a NIGHT GAME!

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

You won't see any Cleveland Spiders

at a night game!

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I really like that you guys...

... came up with this off-day idea. It’s not really my cup of tea, but I know many of you really enjoyed last Thursday’s off-day game thread and I hope you all have fun tonight. I strongly encourage this kind of creative posting.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

A Blessing! A Blessing from Al!

(cue camelot song)

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

LMAO

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Al

Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!

by drewishdrewid on Aug 11, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions

LMAO again

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Here's another way to look at it

Remaining games for the Brewers against teams with a better record (as of August 11): 6

Remaining games for the Cubs agains teams with a better record (as of August 11): 0

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 12:17 PM CDT reply actions

Great way to look at it

My next sig line quote will also be from Lou Piniella, and the first word will be either "Look", or "Listen", followed by a comma.

by JohnM on Aug 11, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

And remember that...

... even though the Cubs have only six home games after September 3… three of those road games are in Milwaukee, where the Cubs just finished a sweep and have generally played well the last few years.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions

There is silver lining in this schedule too....

The grueling September road schedule should make the Cubs that much more battle tested for playoff baseball. Cubs have a nasty habit of vaporizing in the playoffs. I’d rather see this team have to work it’s ass off until the end and have to win tough games on the road. Screw the over-focus on rest that plagues so many playoff baseball teams.

by MDBNIU on Aug 11, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Rest sure didn't help the Rockies last year....

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions

No, it didn't

That was a joke. I’m not a Selig fan, but I’ll admit he’s done some good things. Allowing that to happen wasn’t one of them.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Another angle to look at the schedule is some opponents lost key

personnel, like the untimate Cub killer Carlos Lee, who looks to be out for the season with a broken finger. We still have 6 games with Houston vs only 3 for Milw vs the Stros. Those Stros look real beatable w/o Lee.

by billybuck on Aug 11, 2008 12:51 PM CDT reply actions

They didn't look that strong with him in the first place....

but we kept pitching to him anyway. Dumb.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 11, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Not to mention that the Cubs have a .600 winning percentage

Even without the services of:

Soriano – 56 days
Zambrano – 15 days
Wood – 22 days

Current temperature in hell: 45 degrees F - and falling!

by wnielsen on Aug 11, 2008 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions

That's another good point

The Cubs haven’t really been at full strength for most of the year. When the three you mention were all playing earlier, they were down one SP (Hill, since replaced by Harden). We might still have not seen the Cubs play as good as they are capable of when at full strength.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Which they ought to be at starting on Tuesday.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions

Nice fan post....

It seems to have a nerve on all of us; one way or another. I checked the same exact thing this morning at about 8am CST.

I couldn’t help but factor in the # of games Mil. has against the Lee-less ‘Stros too.

At the end of the day, we have a harder schedule; no question. Our current lead pretty much makes up the difference though. If this team has the thoroughbred character that I believe it does, they’ll run this race all the way to the finish with different contributors on an almost daily basis.

Personally I think Alf and DLee will get hot at the end just like last year and our pitching staff is deep enough to see us through the rough patches. Now it REALLY gets fun.

The classy Cincinnati Reds: " (Josh) Hamilton acknowledges that he sensed some resentment in the locker room from three or four players." SI-May 2008

by cubfever7 on Aug 11, 2008 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Soriano is big one

I am convinced he would have over 50 HR’s this year had he not been injured.

by ak123 on Aug 11, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

The pace he's on agrees with you

Although it can be harder to maintain. I do wonder if that will ultimately end up being a blessing in disguise—he’s running like his legs are in the best shape they’ve been in since last year’s injuries.

by Shanghai Badger on Aug 11, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Agreed.

The forced six-week rest when he had the broken finger probably worked wonders for healing up the earlier leg injury. He may be at 100% for the first time since April of last year, before his FIRST leg injury as a Cub.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Aug 11, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm hoping the same goes for Wood and Big Z

that thier time on the DL will help keep them fresh come Sept and Oct

"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"

by MerlinDog on Aug 11, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

Can't complain too much about Sked

Cubs let Nationals whoop them in Washington earlier this year while the Brewers have taken care of business this weekend. The (g)Nats have been especially problematic for the Cubs the past few years, and so if the Cubs beat the teams they should beat rest of way it should work out fine.

by BeltwayCubsFan on Aug 11, 2008 1:25 PM CDT reply actions

Last 13 Games Intriguing

3 vs. MIL at Wrigley
3.vs. STL at Wrigley
4 vs. NYM at Shea
3 vs. MIL at Miller

I think the Cubs will go 8-5 in those games and win the division. I’m not worried. It’s good to beat good teams down the stretch.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Aug 11, 2008 1:49 PM CDT reply actions

I'm selfish...

I’m getting married on Sept. 20th. We’re going to New York for the honeymoon. We’re going to see the game on the 24th. I’d love to see ‘em clinch there!

"Whoever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" - Frank Chance

by STLCubFan on Aug 11, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions