Zambrano Game 3 Starter? Discuss.

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 22, 2008 9:49 PM CDT Comment 73 comments

Phil Rogers' latest garbage column talks about how Lou is setting up the postseason rotation to go with Dempster on Game 1, Harden on Game 2, and Zambrano to pitch game 3 on the road. He also knows without a doubt speculates that Lilly will work out of the bullpen for games 1 and 2 and start a game 4.

Is it blasphemous to assume that anyone but Big Z would be your game 1 starter? For me, Big Z starts that first playoff game at home; he's your money man and your Ace. I would go:

Z
Dempster
Harden
Lilly (if necessary)

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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Link

A link to the article in question would probably help.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/chi-080922-chicago-cubs-juggle-pitching-rotation,0,1503948.story

"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 22, 2008 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree with Rogers.

First, Dempster has been filthy at home, and our most consistent pitcher, and I think we would have a good chance of winning with him in Game 1. Then, Harden pitches lights out to go up 2-0. Zambrano goes game 3 and puts away all the doubters that he can pitch in a big game.

BTW, I am a doubter. Prove me wrong Z.

Devin Hester, you are ridiculous! -Jeff Joniak

by ARAM FOR MVP on Sep 22, 2008 9:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What do you call game 1 of last year's NLDS?

My Blog: http://thegettinplace.blogspot.com/

by TheTruth11 on Sep 23, 2008 1:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1000

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z pitched well in that game.

He left with the game tied having given up only one run in six innings. Wasn’t his fault the Cubs lost.

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

by Al on Sep 23, 2008 8:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think that's what he was saying

That last year’s Game 1 had already proven that Z can pitch well in a big game situation.

by SuperContext on Sep 23, 2008 8:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Z in Game 1

but the thing I worry about is how amped up he would be pitching in front of the home crowd.

Maybe Lou has noticed that he’s a little more focused on pitching on the road, and wants him for Game 3.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Sep 23, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What are you doubting

I think last year’s game against Arizona showed he’s solid in big situations. If Lou would have left him in, it could have been a whole different series.

So you’ve just been proven.

by lamentir on Sep 23, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You might find it blasphemous..........

………..but that doesn’t make it wrong, no disrepect intended.

Dempster has been untouchable in the Friendly Confines. Lou must make sure to get him a start (or two) at Wrigley.

Harden has also been great at home, and by throwing him early it allows you to bring him back later in the same series.

Lilly has been great on the road, and certainly in a 7-game series, the Cubs should go with 4 starters and give Teddy Ballgame the nod. He’s been great in big games.

So where does that leave Z? If things go according to Hoyle with Demp and Harden, he can be the guy to sew things up in the first round, doing so without the pressure of a “must win” game. And besides, what team is going to have a better #3 than Zambrano?

Let the blaspheming begin!!

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Sep 22, 2008 10:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great in big games?

Are we talking about the same Ted Lilly who threw his glove down in disgust in game 2 last year?

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Sep 22, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly the same guy.

But not exactly the same year.

Or the same team.

Or – necessarily – the same results.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Sep 22, 2008 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really--he has to do a lot to redeem himself for last year's meltdown.

by DudeVf11 on Sep 23, 2008 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think all those who compare this year's playoff to last year's...

… have to realize that as tville says, “that was then, this is now”.

There’s a clean slate, and probably a different opponent.

And presumably, a better result.

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

by Al on Sep 23, 2008 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure how that supports the statement...

that Lilly has been good in big games. Clearly this team is different than last year, but that doesn’t change the fact that the one time we really needed a win out of Lilly in a big game, he failed.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Sep 23, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Doesn't mean he can't or won't do it this year.

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

by Al on Sep 23, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing like defining............

…………….a player’s entire career by one game.

Truth is he came up pretty big in 2007 as well, post-season excluded.

"Happiness? A good cigar, a good meal, a good cigar and a good woman - or a bad woman; it depends on how much happiness you can handle." ~ George Burns

by tville on Sep 23, 2008 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't agree more...

…and if the Cubs happen to play a team that struggles against lefties, Lou will start Lilly one of the first 3 games, and I would anticipate him doing well.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 23, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't defining his career on one game.

But thanks for putting words in my mouth. I WAS defining his ability to perform well in a big game… based on his performance in the only other “big” game I’ve seen him pitch in. I fully recognize he could be lights out this year in the postseason, but the incredibly small sample size doesn’t help my confidence in him. I will agree on one thing though, the mojo this year is completely different. I expect a better performance much like everyone else does.

Ron Santo should sing TMOTTBG everyday. Period.

by Schwa on Sep 24, 2008 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

completely agree

Dempster has earned himself the #1 spot, no questions asked. He is our most consistent and reliable starter.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Sep 23, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that..

Dempster should get a start at home. I think this means that he gets the number 2 start. You have to start Big Z in game one though. He pitched great last year against the Dbacks, and I am confident he would rise to the occasion in Game 1. Also, knowing that Rich Harden would be able to pitch game three would be huge. He would be a great stopper if we are down 0-2 and could turn the momentum of a series if it were tied 1-1. Let Lilly start game 4.

by WUSTLCubsFan on Sep 22, 2008 10:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe looking too far ahead...

but Z should be lined up to pitch game 3 of the WS, his bat would give us a great advantage.

by JPetey on Sep 22, 2008 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

good point

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 22, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just don't like the match up of

johan vs. dempster as much as i like johan vs z

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Sep 22, 2008 10:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Except...

that if the Mets were to go down to the last day to clinch a playoff berth (looks like it might go down to that at this point) the way that their pitching rotation is set up right now is Johan would be pitching that last game on Sunday the 28th meaning that they likely would not bring him out until game 3.

Now, if the Mets clinch the spot on Saturday, look for some AAA pitcher on Sunday and Johan going in game 1.

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 23, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i said this weeks ago

but i’d go:

Harden
Dempster
Zambrano
Lilly
Harden

You want Dempster at home where his GB tendencies are more important and you generally want Z and Lilly who tend to give up more FB’s on the road, especially since we’ll likely play LAD or NYM both big parks.

Harden is your best starter you want him to be able to pitch in multiple games so I think you toss him in Game 1 and hope to bring him back on normal rest for Game 5

by DartmouthCubsFan on Sep 22, 2008 10:56 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

MDUNIU(?) is that you?

For a five game series I would go like this

Dempster (Home)
Z (Home)
Harden (Road)
Lilly (Road)
Dempster (Home)

If the Series does go 5 then your rotation looks like this

Z(Home)
Harden (Home)
Dempster (Road)
Lilly (Road)
Z(Road)
Harden (Home)
Dempster (Home)

(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Sep 22, 2008 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

an insult to the deepest degree....

blue mike and i don’t see eye-to-eye….

i’m sorry but Harden is our most dominating pitcher and he needs to be the one who goes twice

by DartmouthCubsFan on Sep 22, 2008 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z goes game 3 only if he is healthy....

I see him getting a start in the short series.

A start in the NLCS and that is game 3 as well,

And a start in the WS if we are there and game 3 as well and then he is shut down….possibly until the All Star Break ’09

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Sep 23, 2008 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So your saying...

…Z needs to have his shoulder scoped?

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 23, 2008 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well then to be accurate

You and blue mike don’t see eye to eye all the time.

(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)

by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on Sep 23, 2008 1:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the main problem I have with starting Harden in game 1

is that he doesn’t go very deep in games. You want more than 5 or 6 innings (even if they’re scoreless) in Gm 1 because you don’t want to start a series using the pen that much

by philadelphiacub on Sep 23, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeabut

With the extra off days built into the playoffs, using the pen a lot is not as big of a deal as it is during the season

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 23, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, except that you may be playing the same team for 5 to 7 games,

and you don’t really want their hitters to get a look at your relievers so much. It could start to give the batters an edge later in the series

by philadelphiacub on Sep 23, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not to mention

you have extra starting pitchers that can be used out of the bullpen.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Sep 23, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hard to argue with that

either way, Z should not pitch game one.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Sep 23, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The cool thing about this is there is no wrong answer

But I would go

Harden
Zambrano
Dempster
Lilly

I think people put a little to much stock into Dempster’s success at home. Yes he has 14 wins at home opposed to 3 away however, if you watched the cubs all season you know the bullpen blew like 3 or 4 wins he had on the road. In addition, he has a better WHIP and OBA on the road. WHIP 1.25(H) 1.16(A) OBA .313(H) .284 (A). He has pitched really well on the road and just hasn’t gotten the results. Could you imagine if I told you in spring training you would want Dempster pitching in a playoff game before Zambrano, you would think I’m nuts. And I still think that is pretty ridiculous, Zambrano is are horse he should go game 2 behind Harden.

by dlee25 on Sep 23, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big Z can probably throw just one game and then needs time off.

I’d rather see Z rested so it’s fine with me if doesn’t get in until game 3.

by DudeVf11 on Sep 23, 2008 12:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Blasphemous? Come on be real....you must be a fan with much Man-Love

Are you thinking this is a slight? Z is hurt, the Cubs will baby him through the rest of the schedule. Piniella and Co., are not sentimental fans, they are the Manager and Coaches who make the decisions that give the team the best chance to win.

As is obvious to me Monsieur CubsBullsBears, lining up Dempster for the 1st Game start in Wrigley where he has been exceedingly successful as a starter and then Harden to start Game 2 where Dempster could start Game 5 if necessary. Or if things are really down where the Cubs are down 1-2 start Game 4 and Harden Game 5.

Forget the sentimentality….put the best players out there

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Sep 23, 2008 12:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Man-love?

How about being realistic? Z is your Ace with playoff experience; if you honestly think Lou would push him back to game 3, you are out of your mind. He is coming off a no-hitter in his second to last start, he will be well rested, and have a chip on his shoulder from last year’s NLDS.

I agree that Demp has been lights out at home, that’s why he’ll almost certainly get that game 2 start.

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 7:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no unfortunately Z is not this year's ace

And the ace is a moving target…Z is hurt, still playable….

The issue is not starting or giving deference to whom but who is capable of lining up for games 4 and 5….

why Piniella gets paid $5M

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Sep 23, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You don't play for "if necessary" games...

You play to win each game at a time. Was last year not a perfect reminder of that?

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speaking of Zambrano

I just realized that against a Lefty starter, he’s the Cubs best RH hitter off the bench.

Back to the topic, I only pitch Lilly in game 4 if the Cubs are up 2-1. If the Cubs are down 2-1 and with the season on the line, I find it really hard to believe that Lou would send Lilly to the mound to start game 3 over Zambrano or whoever he chooses to pitch game 1, especially after Lilly krapped his pants on the mound in his only start in the playoffs last year.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 23, 2008 1:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Edit: ......to start game 4 over Zambrano or whoever he chooses to pitch Game 1.....

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 23, 2008 1:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back to the topic at hand

I don’t think there’s any way Dempster makes his first career playoff start in game 1, such an important game to set the tone for the rest of the series. Not when you have Zambrano who not only proved he could rise to the occasion of such a high pressure game and handle the nerves of a game 1 but who has the demeanor to handle such a high pressure game. Sure they’re all high stress games in the post season, but nothing like the 1st game of the playoffs.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 23, 2008 3:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It may depend on how Z's next start goes

I know he had a lot of other things on his mind on Friday, but that was a really bad performance.

We’ll see soon enough if it was a total aberration or not.

by SuperContext on Sep 23, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree.

Unless he’s hurt, I don’t see how you can dismiss what he’s done over his career and more importantly, how he did last year in Game 1, because of 2 bad starts to end the season.

Dempster has been the Cubs best and most consistent starter all season long and I can understand how some would want him to start Game 1 but there’s a reason why the Cubs have made such a financial committment to Zambrano and not only has he proven he can handle the Game 1 jitters but his deameanor is exactly what I want out of my Game 1 start. Zambrano won’t be fazed by the national stage and the butterflies. Can’t say that for sure about Dempster.

Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen

by lemon20pie on Sep 23, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He responded well to the national stage

in the 9th inning of the All-Star game, on 2 days’ rest, striking out the side. Not the same stakes, I grant you, but definitely high pressure.

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 Sep 23, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I guess I'm not convinced he's 100% healthy

I didn’t see the game on Friday (or more accurately, I didn’t see any of Zambrano’s outing), and everyone seems to think the problem is mental, but I’m not sure.

I guess I just think his next start will go a long way to determining whether his brilliant performance in the no-hitter or his crappy performance Friday is the more accurate measure of where he is. There is also the unfortunate possibility that by exceeding his pitch count to throw the no-no, he aggravated something and is staying quiet about it.

I would agree that, if totally healthy, Z is our guy for Game 1, no questions asked. I am just not as convinced yet that he is OK as some people here.

by SuperContext on Sep 23, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Harden? Any questions about his health?

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 23, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not at the moment, actually

In his start on Thursday, he had some control problems that were likely the result of some rust, but he wasn’t getting hit.

And yes, I am interested to see how his next start goes to see if those control problems persist, but I’m guessing (and hoping) they won’t.

Frankly, I can see I reasonable case being made to start Zambrano, Dempster, or Harden in Game 1. Whichever Lou ends up going with will be fine with me.

by SuperContext on Sep 23, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

do you doubt dempster?

he has been exceedingly consistent this year, the opposite of what zambrano shows. over his career big z is as consistent at putting up the numbers as any, but on a start to start basis you really have no idea what the guy is going to do. dempster has been our best and most reliable pitcher, and especially at home. i see no reason for him not to start game one and get us going in the right direction.

bring up felix.

by kylejo on Sep 23, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would go by team winning percentage per pitcher

(Not their personal W-L records, but the team record in games they started)

Harden: .818 (as a Cub, .750 overall)
Dempster: .688
Zambrano: .655

Despite his short outings, the Cubs have won the last eight games Harden has started. Harden creates wins.

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 Sep 23, 2008 4:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The only reason...

I wouldn’t start Harden those first 2 games is because he doesn’t tend to go deep into ballgames. Do we really want to tax our bullpen so early in a playoff series? Also, he hasn’t really favored pitching at home vs. away IIRC.

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 7:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is exactly why...

…Lou will look to pitch Harden on a day where there is travel (day off) the next day if possible.

Also, I tend to agree with the thought above in regards to Dempster never starting game one of a playoff and Z has, and that may weigh on Lou’s decision to go with Z in game one.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Sep 23, 2008 7:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and then the man yelled bingo

and walked up to pick up his prize money

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Sep 23, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just looking at the odds of winning game one

And winning game one increases the odds of winning the series. You could argue that having Dempster and Z going after Harden, those games should require the bullpen less. But even so, with Marquis on the roster (Lou said he will be last night) you have two long reliever options.

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 Sep 23, 2008 7:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't Z say a week

or so ago that he wants to pitch the 3rd game? I could have sworn he said that. I know I want Dempster to pitch at home as much as possible. He has been fantastic at home.

by sue369 on Sep 23, 2008 7:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He also said...

He’d let Lilly start Opening Day, and we all know who took the ball that day. We’ll see how it plays out.

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Z is a better road

pitcher I believe.

by cozmotaylor123 on Sep 23, 2008 8:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I for one would be fine with this rotation

Dempster has pitched better than any Cub since Fergie at the Friendly Confines, and he’s earned Game 1 starter consideration.

by SuperContext on Sep 23, 2008 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

This is a strange year...

We’re actually debating who our Game 1 starter in the playoffs should be. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a Cubs or ChiSox team where this was ever a question.

That said, in my mind if Z’s healthy, you start him Game 1 (otherwise, you start Harden). Dempster then starts Game 2, unless the Cubs are looking at a three man rotation in which case I’d be leary of Dempster being our Game 5 man. In spite of how well he’s pitched this season, I never think he matches up well against another team’s ace…although what do I know?

Do we think we’re going with a three-man (Z, Harden, Dempster) or a four-man (plus Lilly) rotation for the short series?

by MarchHare on Sep 23, 2008 9:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Depends on the results of the games, I'd think.

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

by Al on Sep 23, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where do we start Rich Hill?

don’t forget about him… :)

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 23, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Arizona

We won’t be playing the diamondbacks, but he’ll be playing in Arizona.

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Sep 23, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh.

He pitched pretty well in AZ last year IIRC. Looking forward to seeing him…in three years or so?

"Manny Trillo is coming in to pinch run. You know, for a lot of teams, you would pinch run for Manny Trillo." - Harry Caray

by Archie on Sep 23, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mexican League player of the year. You can bank on it.

"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris

by willie mays hayes' gloves on Sep 23, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poor us...

having to choose which “ace” to go with for game one.

I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com

by digitalbenjamin on Sep 23, 2008 10:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right...

I don’t care who starts, just win baby!

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just win, baby

That is all that matters. Forget about egos, both ours for loving Z and wanting to see him on game one, and Z’s ego. First, I do not think he is hurt, he threw his heart out for the no hitter, came back after his grandmother died and was emotionally drained. Let’s see how he pitches tomorrow in NY.

I think going with Dempster in Game 1 is a great idea. It’s a big game and he has really been our best pitcher, and definitely the best at home, the most consistent pitcher all year. Of Harden, Z and Dempster, the one who I trust the most to win Game 1 is actually Dempster.

They call me MISTER Fukudome!

by brokenland on Sep 23, 2008 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Actually, the person I trust most is Lou Piniella

He obviously has inside information about all three options that we are not privy to, and I trust he will make the right choice to maximize the Cubs chances of winning.

by SuperContext on Sep 23, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by CubsBullsBears on Sep 23, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends on the opponent

n/t

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Sep 23, 2008 1:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I personally don't care who pitches game 1 or game 3

Zambrano or Dempster would both do well in either spot. The only thing I would worry about with regards to the pitching rotation is that Dempster has been better at home than on the road, 2.86 ERA vs 3.22 ERA respectively. Zambrano on the other hand has a 3.77 ERA both home and away. Looking at Zambrano’s last two games, he did not pitch well against the Cardinals at home and was filthy against the Astros @ Miller. This makes me think that Big Z might pitch even better on the road in situations where he doesn’t have much pressure on him. So I think it might be in the best interest of the Cubs to pitch Dempster, Harden, then Big Z. Either way, the pitching will be there, I’m more afraid of whether our bats will show up.

by aznsensation on Sep 23, 2008 3:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs