There is so much that experience provides….how to manage oneself and one’s family/friends in a playoffs, how to prepare yourself and your teammates, how to approach the game and the game situation and then how to execute.

Most wins and losses are a result of the opposition’s mistakes, not a performance.

On the margins—-Hoffpauir is an interesting player like Fontenot or Cedeno but he is for next year. A part time player who has to learn that role.

Pie has been there already and has played that role already. Ward might not be hitting as he was before his injury but somehow he also is walking and has that one clutch HR…..

As for Howry….come on…..that was decided long ago.

…………..there’s really no reason for the sloppy play. These games should be seen as a “tune up” opportunity, an advantage the Cubs have over most of the other teams that are still fighting to get into the post-season.

In the end, there’s really no excuse for bad baseball. We’re 6 months removed from spring training, so such miscues should not be seen, meaningful games or otherwise.

Sori can coast all he wants during these games. Keeping him healthy is all I care about.

I think the playoff roster has been decided. Chad Gaudin will have all the time in the world to fall into dumpsters in October.

What an idiot.

Dempster can be counted on for 6 or 7. If not, that means the Cubs are already trailing, in most cases.

Lilly has been going 6 or 7. Zambrano (when not insane in the membrane) goes 6 or 7, as can Harden.

So, I think the Cubs can buy an inning or two with the Samardzija/Cotts/Marmol cast.

Is Howry officially on the playoff roster?

I agree it’s essentially ST in Sept at this point, but I think some of us (like myself) would like to see the Cubs use these last two games as a dress rehearsal for the playoffs – especially if the Brewers take the WC and we have to play Manny & Co. in Round One.

now and we all know it. This isn’t a recent trend, it’s been going on a while. I’m concerned.

of us, I count myself, are a little anxious for the playoffs to start, and I would like to see “smart” baseball leading into the playoffs.
 I too am concerned about Shark, Howry and Cotts in the pen.

I can never tell the difference between his “defensive indifference” and his legitimately having physical discomfort. Hoping it’s the former – we need him healthy and rarin’ to go starting next Wednesday!

That would give him a tuneup. But Lou has decided not to throw him.

Marquis is supposed to start tomorrow’s game. If Marquis doesn’t start, who does?

and that Gary Sheffield has been hanging on this year – that and his personality causes people not to care.

Barry Bonds on my team that Sheffield. The guy is truly a cancer to a ballclub. Have you heard his comments about paying back the Indians “outside” of baseball?

1. ERA in the National League.

He’s…um…good.

They don’t know squat about other teams and the game in general – ask who’s leading the NL in HR and they’ll reflexively answer “Manny!”. Or ask who’s leading the AL Central and they’ll answer “Who gives a f***?” To say nothing of showing up in the 3rd inning and heading home in the 7th.

Not that I have a problem with them, you understand…. :-p

That’s an honest question. I wouldn’t doubt it that it’s true, I just haven’t heard anything like that until you brought it up. Link?

But, his arm has looked good in the first inning in which he pitches. He seems to wear down in a second inning.

To my understanding Jason Marquis has never pitched out of the bullpen in his MLB career. Can he come in to start an inning and chip in 1 and 2 quality innings at a time?!?

Jeff Spellcheck is inspiring less confidence these days, a combination of him probably tiring and the league figuring him out a little bit. Still obviously high on his future but right now I am concerned.

When he puts the ball into play, he’s on of the top hitters in baseball

Plus, he doesn’t have the experience needed to be a major league pinch hitter.

Those 4 innings may have been the best of his career. You just wonder where that has been for most of his career.

Hoffpauir struck out in half of his PH at-bats this year, and walked ONCE in 15 PA.

Ward walked 15 times as a PH this season.

Now tell me again who you’d rather have.

For “Hudsucker Proxy” and “Cool Hand Luke”.