They didn’t win anything yet. The rotation until the weekend (as taken from cubs.com) Lilly, Dempster, Marquis, Harden and then TBA for the beginning of the STL series. If the Cubs split those games (or better) that would make our magic number at least 4. Having a magic number of atleast 4 for clinching the division would give Lou a lot of wiggle room. With that being said, after Z’s performance tonight, I would expect him to pitch the final home game of the season on 6 days rest. However, knowing Lou, he will pitch on Saturday, giving Marshall the spot start on Friday. This is if the cubs split or better until the STL series. It’s nearly definite that Dempster will pitch that weekend. If the stars go our way this week; and we have a chance to lock it up during our last home series, I would think Lou will go to Zambrano and HIM clinch it for us. If I’m not mistaken, clinching the division would almost mathematically ensure us home field advantage through out, especially if the Met’s and Phillies play like they have been. It is entirely plausible for us to clinch the division and home field advantage on the same day. After that, I would expect Fukudome to get regular playing time, as with Hoff, Cedeno, Guzman, Shark, Howry, Ward, Derosa. Having 8 or 9 throwaway games in September against playoff quality teams is a great showcase, especially since most of these young players won’t have a permanent spot next season either. They could be used as trade bait. Hoff and Howry will be fighting for a post-season roster spot. Again, this all comes down to how we play this week, and what happens. It’s exciting.

…is a moron. But regardless of who said it, that 1-2-3 is the best. by far. no debate.

he also said that lou shouldn’t have let him throw 110…regardless of how effective he was. really…

our magic number for home field advantage is 9. Steve Phillips is a hack, as is everyone on ESPN.

Now that football is in full swing, I am hearing useless football stats thrown down my throat. Coupled with K-Rod getting his last save, and the fact that the mets are going to overspend to get him, thinking that the amount of saves you have is the be all and end all for a closer. While I think the save is overrated, you can’t take away the fact that K-Rod is a good bullpen pitcher. However, the stats a GREAT closer generally has, K-Rod lacks. His k/9 ratio is good. However, his strikeout to walk ration isn’t that stellar. His WHIP is even worse. Not sure how much baseball prospectus you guys read, but the theory is that basically anyone can pitch the 9th inning and achieve moderate success. Statistically, pitching in the 9th inning, with a lead, and coming into the game with no outs, 95% of the time a middle of the road bullpen guy will succeed. Statistically, Kerry Wood has been a better closer than K-Rod this year. Anyway, I’m getting side tracked, what I was gonna say originally is that the most important stat in the playoffs for pitchers is opponent BA, WHIP and K/9… our top 3 have a solid mark on those stats, save for Big Z who had a blip on his stats in the prior month and a half. This team is great.

give him a pitch count of like 60 or something. If he comes out and he’s sharp…good, take him out before he gets overworked.

…so you may want to give him one extra day or limit his next outing to maybe 80-85 pitches. The division is looking pretty good right now, so I think Lou will be able to limit the pitch count (to some degree) of all his starters.