Lets talk playoffs

by jeff_pico on Sep 20, 2008 7:00 PM CDT

Ok so the possible jinx is over, the are in!....so how does everyone honestly think the Cubs will do in the playoffs...setting aside the euphoria of the day.

I know in short series you really can't predict anything, I expected the Cubs to not do well in the Division Series last year based on that horrible Florida series last year, something just wasn't right.

This years team is better, but I still don't think they are a lock to win even the first series. It will help if they draw the Mets in the first round, they've had good luck with the Mets this year and their bullpen is in shambles.

Our bullpen which was at least a mild strength for most of the year isn't in great shape right now. Marmol is lights out, Wood is so-so and it drops WAY off after that with Cotts being the 3rd best option. IF Gaudin can come back to his old form he becomes the 4th option, it seems like a big if though.

The offense has been inconsistent of late. I know alot of people on the board disagree with this and point to the 'best offense in the league' and thats definitely true by the numbers, but this offense is majorly hot and cold. I would hope they are better than the 07 offense in the playoffs, and I'm hoping to be pleasantly surprised.

The starting pitching is the strength of the team going into the post-season. Dempster, Harden, Zambrano and Lilly hopefully will give at least decent starts. I'm not all worried about the starting pitching.

So overall I'm undecided. The team is stronger than last year, but still isn't great enough to think that they will just cruise through the NL playoffs.

Of course my hope is that they go 11-0 but have to be realistic lol

GO CUBS GO!!!

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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As Lou said in the post game wrap up

I want to see who we play first. The team the Cubs face in the NLDS will determine the pitching matchups and playoff roster for the first round. I am optimistic, but also a longtime Cubs fan, so nothing is a sure thing.

That being said, this is the best Cubs team from players 1 to 25+ that I’ve ever seen. Add in a great manager and coaching staff and they have everything they need to win it all.

Now they just need to play hard every at bat and every pitch. Give NOTHING away and capitalize on their opportunities. Runs are very hard to come by in the post season. There are no weak teams or pitchers at this stage.

This will be the hardest thing these guys have ever had to do. But I believe they are up to it.

Go Green! Go White! GO STATE! (#13031 on the Cubs season ticket waiting list...)

by Zeke on Sep 20, 2008 7:10 PM CDT reply actions

They are the best team

Look, Philly can be scary because Myers has been great to go along with Hamels. Their bullpen has been quite good, and they have plenty of power and plenty of speed in that lineup.

But are you honestly going to tell me, or anyone else for that matter, that the Cubs are NOT the best team in the league? The Cubs Middle Relief has been really shaky lately, but the rotation is easily the best in the league 1-5 (and 1-4 in October), and the lineup is deeper than pretty much anybody else.

Should anyone expect them to go 11-0? No, rarely does a team cruise through October. But the Cubs are certainly the most well-balanced team in the NL, and while it’s easy to get nervous about opponents, just remember that the Cubs are the best team.

I think the NL is more scared of the Cubs than the Cubs are of the NL.

by WittyUserName on Sep 20, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions

Cubs are the best team

Yes I agree the Cubs are the best team, but so many times the best team doesn’t win in the playoff format. Espicially in the 5 game short series.

Just look at 2003..The Braves won 101 games that year and the Cubs only won 88 but the Cubs won the series.

The Cubs on paper were better than or at least equal to the Diamondbacks last year, yet were completely dominated.

You never know what happens in the playoffs.

by jeff_pico on Sep 20, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions

If it is the team from the NL West I like our chances

Manny, or no Manny if it is the Dodgers. We match up well, there. We should know in a few days. Interesting that the Cubs playing against the Mets could easily affect who they play in the playoff’s. I really don’t expect much from the guys tomorrow. It might be hard to field a team of players who aren’t too hungover to play. But, after tomorrow I don’t see Lou easing up until the positions are set.

by Nibbles on Sep 20, 2008 9:10 PM CDT reply actions

Agreed.

I think the Cubs match up with the Mets pretty well, too, and so it would be to our advantage to have the Mets win the wild card. But they won’t lay down to do that. Lou will have them playing hard.

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

by Al Yellon on Sep 20, 2008 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions

post season

no matter who you play they will be good.and let,s leave marquis on the playoff roster.every year he contributes and every year he,s left off the roster.i know that says a lot but without his win total you might not have won.im not a marquis lover by any means but howry is not a much better choice. we got rid ofeyre now howry needs to go

by NOMAR on Sep 21, 2008 8:14 AM CDT reply actions

Cubs Won't Beat Phillies in a 5 Game Series

They just don’t matchup well. 3-4 the past 2 years plus they can’t hit Lidge or Hamels.

Cubs need to take at least 3 of 4 from the Mets. The best case, but fleeting scenario is that the Brewers get hot and win the wildcard. Then Cubs get the Dodgers and hopefully Milwaukee in the NLCS

by vegasjs on Sep 21, 2008 9:54 AM CDT reply actions

So why not just throw the series vs. Milwaukee?

Pitch Howry, Guzman, and Wuertz for 9 innings each for the 3 games and don’t take them out. Heck, it’ll be Howry’s last contribution to this team. Plus, since none will be on the post season roster we may as well let them soak up as much as Wrigley as they can and help our team out by resting our starters while the Brewers continue to wear theirs out.

Then, we let them into the playoffs limping and barely alive. Hopefully, they then find a way to win their division series by pitching Sabathia yet more times allowing us to destroy them while they are on their last breath!!!

Booo aahhh ha ha ha aha

by nickler on Sep 21, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions

American League Analysis

Who does the panel see getting into the postseason for the junior circuit, and who do we like to win the AL pennant? Here’s how I’m forecasting things:

Playoff Teams – Angels, Rays, White Sox, Red Sox

Round One – Angels over Red Sox, Rays over White Sox

Round Two – Angels over Rays (although I’d rather see Tampa win the pennant)

Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.

by CaliCub on Sep 21, 2008 10:29 AM CDT reply actions