Strategy vs Dodgers
Obviously, these series usually come down to pitching first, with both offense and defense coming in tied for second.
Looking at the Dodgers, they are a club that puts the ball in play more often than the Cubs, but with less authority. I would anticipate Torre putting the game in motion to stay away from rally killing double plays (they hit into 153 this year) and to pressure Soto and the Cubs defense. Also, depending on the score, I would imagine the Cubs will not give Manny much to hit unless they have no choice. He is the one guy you don't want to give the opportunity to beat you by himself, and he has the capability if you let him. The Cub's pitchers need to be aggressive with hitters ahead of Ramirez and eliminate any free passes ahead of him. Piniella will be listening to his advance scouts and will probably mix in some pitchouts, when they jive with when Torre likes to send guys. Being the underdog, the Dodgers will be aggressive, and the pitchers will have to manage keeping guys close and Soto will need to show he can gun guys down.
Just a guy feeling on my part, but I feel both Lee and Edmonds are going to do some damage in this series and I'm going with the Cubbies in 4.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (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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Key for the Dodgers attack is Russell Martin (after Manny of course)
He is one of the best ballplayers in baseball that nobody talks about. He does all the little things well.
Three keys for the Cubs.
1. Key for the Cub offense is Alfonso Soriano. Last year against Arizona he vaporized. We’ve seen this year that when he hits the Cub offense usually flourishes.
2. Cubs have to play good defense against a Dodger team that, as you inferred, are good handlers of the bat. If Mark DeRosa is going to play right and Mike Fontenot at 2nd then our defense is compromised at two positions. But it is the right move giving the uselessness of Kosuke with the bat. DeRosa and Fontenot therefore become defensive keys to this game.
3. Cub starters are going to have to go consistently deep into games because I have little faith in anybody but Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood in that pen. Jeff Spellcheck appears to be running out of steam and has had increasing difficulty. Neal Cotts inspires little confidence. Jason Marquis has now officially pitched in one game out of the bullpen in his major league career. Bob Howry is awful and should be nothing but a mop up man. Sean Marshall can hopefully be effective like he has shown.
Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...
by MDBNIU on Sep 29, 2008 11:06 AM CDT 0 recs
Pretty much agree
I’m very worried about Soriano though. As Brenly noted yesterday, he’s in another one of his periodic funks and post season is not the best time to expect to come out of it.
I still can’t believe that Howry made the roster. As much as I’ve always liked Lou, I worry that he has the wrong kind of loyalty to certain guys. I have nightmares about Howry coming in in the seventh inning of a one or two run game and getting torched.
by bluekoolaide on
Sep 29, 2008 11:18 AM CDT
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Soriano's funk is worrisome...
Bob Howry? Well like I said previously I don’t think Lou and Larry thought there were better options given my suspicion that Angel Guzman is being shut down so as not to overdue his continuing rehabilitation. Michael Wuertz is his own kind of suck and Kevin Hart isn’t much better.
Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...
by MDBNIU on
Sep 29, 2008 11:36 AM CDT
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Howry may make the roster...
…but I wouldn’t rule out a last minute change either.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 29, 2008 11:47 AM CDT
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Approach and execution
You are speaking about execution and the question was about approach (MDBNIU) the question was strategy——how the Cubs will approach hitting the Dodger pitching and how will they defend them.
First I see Piniella spotting Fontenot and not highlighting him. Meaning that Fukudome will probably start in Game 1 (and then Game 2 are adjustments). I see Fukudome batting 8th and being asked to get on base.
That means the Cubs defense is at best with Edmonds in CF and DeRosa 2B.
Approaching Lowe will be to make him throw strikes( Nothing new) where I now see even Soriano is getting the eye. I think the Cubs will actually test Martin and put pressure on him if they can get on. Piniella likes to wrestle with opposing good managers like Torre and be the aggressor.
Pitching will be to force the Dodgers to hit their way to runs—-throw strikes. Piniella will be aggressive in using his bullpen
As for execution that is to be determined. What I think is that Lee and Ramirez should have strong series and that Edmonds will make a headline or two. The key will be if our bullpen is as strong as it was this year…..and I have confidence in Wood and Marmol to finish off games.
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 29, 2008 2:04 PM CDT
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What they can't do...
…is to be put in a position where they have to throw strikes to Manny with men on base. They have to go right after the guys in front of him and make them hit their way on base.
I have a feeling the Dodgers will identify Ramirez as who they won’t want to face with men on. With that in mind, I would think Lee should get some decent pitches to hit and could very well do some damage. Lee should be fresh and quick with the bat after some rest, and hopefully he takes advantage. I also agree Edmonds is going to deliver some good production.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 29, 2008 2:35 PM CDT
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Exactly the same as Pujols.
The Cubs are used to pitching to a guy of Manny’s talent.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Sep 29, 2008 2:49 PM CDT
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Cubs Defense
is best with PIE in center and DeRosa at second.
However, i think it may be a better overall TEAM with Edmonds in center. That having been said, Pie didn’t exactly suck after his call up. Several good hits, in fact. You will lose some power with Edmonds out of the lineup. It’s a tradeoff.
"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 29, 2008 2:47 PM CDT
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Let us get this straight:
Edmonds will be playing the first two games in CF and Pie will be possibly playing in the late innings either as a pinch runner or late inning defensive replacement in LF if the Cubs have 4 run lead—-maybe not.
In the 3rd game if Kuroda pitches Johnson will play CF and possibly DeRosa in RF and Cedeno at 2B.
Maybe …
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 29, 2008 2:49 PM CDT
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I don't doubt that you're correct --
this isn’t rocket science. However, Pie is a better defender than Edmonds. That’s all I was saying.
Putting DeRosa in RF is a huge mistake, and if he does go, I’d expect to see Fontenot, not Cedeno.
"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 29, 2008 2:51 PM CDT
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Howry made the roster?
I didn’t know they were already announced. What about position players??
"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."
by BMoney79 on
Sep 29, 2008 11:39 AM CDT
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They aren't.....Bruce Levine said Tuesday
…and he also thought Pie would get the nod over Hoffpower due to DeRo’s injury.
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
by JB 23 on
Sep 29, 2008 12:08 PM CDT
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Uh oh...looks like someone out there....
…could be – how you say? – WRONG.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 29, 2008 1:44 PM CDT
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backhoe
at the ready!
"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 29, 2008 2:01 PM CDT
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Howry was announced over the weekend
not sure on Pie
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 29, 2008 2:50 PM CDT
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the general roster
has not been announced — only the starting lineup, and Lou confirmed, specifically, Howry in an interview.
"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 29, 2008 2:52 PM CDT
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That confirmation was before yesterday's blowup.
Lou could still change his mind.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 29, 2008 3:33 PM CDT
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well, he could.
I missed yesterday’s game, so I didn’t see how bad it was.
"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 29, 2008 3:41 PM CDT
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Bad.
First pitch to Braun was 92 down the chute with no movement.
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 29, 2008 3:42 PM CDT
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how is that different
from any other day he pitches?
"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 29, 2008 4:00 PM CDT
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it wasn't, really.
just came at an inopportune time. I think you could see Braun salivating at the idea of facing Howry before he came up to bat.
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 29, 2008 4:55 PM CDT
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Looking at the pitching matchups...
What games do you think Lou will go with Kosuke in RF? (assuming DeRo is healthy)
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on
Sep 29, 2008 11:53 AM CDT
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I could be wrong...
…but I think Fukudome gets a start in game one.
This is what I think:
Soriano
Theriot
Lee
Ramirez
Edmonds
DeRosa
Soto
Fukudome
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 29, 2008 11:56 AM CDT
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Of course...
…Lou could do this, if he thinks Fontenot can handle Lowe:
Soriano
Fontenot
Lee
Ramirez
Edmonds
DeRosa
Soto
Theriot
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 29, 2008 12:02 PM CDT
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I think Kosuke is relegated to the bench and DeRosa in RF, Fontenot at 2nd is the combo Lou goes with
Perhaps Kosuke starts against their Japense left-handed starting pitcher and DeRosa shifts to 2nd for that game.
Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...
by MDBNIU on
Sep 29, 2008 12:03 PM CDT
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DeRo's injury could limit him to the infield for the first few games. I'm sure Lou will
be cautious with him.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on
Sep 29, 2008 12:57 PM CDT
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I think all around Fukudome gets the start in game one and then adjust from there
De Rosa is gimpy until proven otherwise. They will put him on short leash. i suspect that Piniella will double switch him/position in game one as a subplot and be happy if he gets DeRosa out without incident.
He then can double switch with Kosulke if need be and Pie which I think DeRosa makes that decision fait accompli.
I hope Fukudome gets a couple of hits so that game 2 he is penciled in.
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 29, 2008 3:01 PM CDT
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I'm a little worried about Wood
He seems to do best with regular work, which he hasn’t gotten recently. But otherwise, yes, we need the starters to give us quality outings.
by chitownhawkeye on
Sep 29, 2008 11:54 AM CDT
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i am worried about the markets
anything else to worry about?
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 29, 2008 3:02 PM CDT
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why Americans over the age of 18 don't receive the money set aside to bailout AIG?
I mean, it’s $295,000 per person after taxes…
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 29, 2008 3:14 PM CDT
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AIG is/was $85BN
With 300M people, I think the number is much smaller.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Sep 29, 2008 3:16 PM CDT
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I was giving it only to those 18 and over - so like 200 million
regardless, I’d rather see the money come back to the average American – I think that would help fuel the economy a bit more.
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 29, 2008 3:30 PM CDT
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End of political discussion.
Thank you.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 29, 2008 3:34 PM CDT
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It's done.
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 29, 2008 3:35 PM CDT
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It think this an economic discussion?
“That’s my opinion and if you don’t like it, well, I have others.” ~ Groucho Marx
(This story was produced by BCPDnewservice. Our motto: If you don’t like this story then suck it!)
by BrewCrew'sPrinceofDarkness on
Sep 29, 2008 11:25 PM CDT
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No, it think this political.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 30, 2008 9:34 AM CDT
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Then we can all buy Cubs' playoff tickets!!! Yay!!
Steve Phillips on his computer use as Mets GM, "I played solitaire on my computer in my office."
by Tate491 on
Sep 29, 2008 4:43 PM CDT
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This is fine news...
though their bullpen has done just fine without him in the last week.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Sep 29, 2008 1:04 PM CDT
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Sure, against the horrid Padres and Giants.
Other than Arizona — just barely over .500 — LA hasn’t played a team with a winning record since August 25.
When they got swept in a four-game series by the Phillies.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
by Al on
Sep 29, 2008 1:22 PM CDT
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Praying for
starters to go 7 plus as well. Is anyone else a little pissed at how Lou handled the last week? I know resting players is important but I thought it odd to play the B team all week. Why not at leat TRY to win when we could have beaten Milwaukee with our regular lineup yeasterday along with using Marmol and Wood late and getting them tuned up for this week. I’d certainly rather have a go at the Mets!!
by plenz on Sep 29, 2008 11:18 AM CDT 0 recs
I think Marmol and Wood are used
Every game in the NLDS when a reliever is needed. They can both go back to back days, with a day off and then do it again if they need to.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
by cubswynn on
Sep 29, 2008 12:52 PM CDT
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Asumption is...
Marmol and Wood are used in tied or mainly winning games, so i like your thoughts!!!!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on
Sep 29, 2008 12:57 PM CDT
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HFA
It will factor into the proceedings, and I could easily see the home team winning all five games. So the key for the Cubs will be to play as airtight as possible on the road. This means:
• no trying to hit 7-run homers with one swing
• no bonehead baserunning
• no nibbling at the strike zone
• no temper tantrums if a call goes against us
Never, but NEVER, put ketchup on a hot dog.
by CaliCub on Sep 29, 2008 11:48 AM CDT 0 recs
+1, especially on #4
One of the things that makes me a little bit optimistic about this post-season is that (for the first time in living memory) we’re there for the second year in a row. This means that a lot of the players have experienced all the intensity and pressue, and hopefully will be able to deal with it in a cool, collected manner.
“When you get there act like you’ve been there” is easy to say and understand, but actually maintaining it on a minute-to-minute basis is a challenge – but it pays huge dividends by keeping the team in its groove and able to perform.
"[Lou Piniella] might be over 100, but he still has a lot of fire in him." - Ted Lilly, Sept. 10, 2008
by CaughtInTheVines on
Sep 29, 2008 12:11 PM CDT
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DICIPLINE.
Plan and simple. The key to the Cubs success is that simple word. Lets face it, not all three or four of our starting pitchers will slump all at once.
I know people say playoffs is all about pitching, pitching, pitching. Well when you have pitching like the Cubs do, clutch hitting is the difference. I would love to see the Cubs hitters challenge the Dodgers pitchers, and make them throw strikes and pitches the Cubs can hit.
Part of me feels that the pressure will get to a few hitters and they will start to press, thus starting to swing at bad pitches. I hate to do this to Soriano, but his first AB of the series will be very telling in my eyes. I can see first pitch fast ball fouled off, and 2 sliders in the dirt for a strikeout. He needs to have a good first AB, and know that he can take pitches.
And i am going out on a line here, but Fukudome needs to be in every game. I think the guy will be a big contributor to this team com Wednesday.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
by HIGGY on Sep 29, 2008 12:14 PM CDT 0 recs
I look for Soto to come up big
He was one of the only guys who flourished in the post-season last year, and he has a full year under his belt this time.
I must say I am much more nervous and pessimistic about the Cubs chances right now than I thought I would be. There are just many more question marks than I would like for a team that won 97 ball games. Is Mark DeRosa healthy enough to contribute? What the heck is going on with Carlos Zambrano? Who will Lou turn to for middle relief?
by SuperContext on
Sep 29, 2008 12:20 PM CDT
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He's also got a bum hand....
Which I am worried about.
Oh please let this dubious bullpen be good enough in the playoffs...
by MDBNIU on
Sep 29, 2008 1:02 PM CDT
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The ladies are worried about his bum, too!
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Sep 29, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
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Cheeky monkeys.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 29, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
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now that was funny
There's magic in the ivy...
by halfblindcubbiegirl on
Sep 29, 2008 4:21 PM CDT
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Its common...
…for the majority of the big guns to get shut down in the playoffs, because they are pitched carefully and sometimes they try and do too much and swing at bad pitches. This is why the depth in the Cub’s lineup is encouraging.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
by MPH73 on
Sep 29, 2008 1:17 PM CDT
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Does anyone else have that nervous energy
like I do?
I am so excited right now to get this postseason underway. I feel like I’ve been in a fog all week waiting for the regular season to wrap up and meet our opponent. It’s the Los Angeles Dodgers. California Dreamin’! Another west coast series with late start times, but we have HFA and that’s a key.
Anyone way you break it down…it’s the Cubs in the playoffs!! Let’s enjoy it and get it underway soon!!
2 days until the countdown from 11 begins.
GO CUBS GO!!!!
"Why do you always point to the sky when Zambrano starts?" My girlfriend.
"You just wouldn't get it...it's a Cubs thing..." Me.
by cubs2k8isnxtyear on Sep 29, 2008 12:25 PM CDT 0 recs
I wish it was starting today
I am extremely excited and nervous. I can’t wait, yet there is a lot of anxiety in there too.
by SuperContext on
Sep 29, 2008 12:49 PM CDT
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Pinella already said
we were going to be more aggressive with steals, hit and runs etc. He said he doesn’t want to make the mistake like last year of waiting. I think this is good. Be aggressive and get after them. Teams that sit back get a back seat. These cubs need to drive the bus, not go along for the ride.
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
by mrcubsfan on Sep 29, 2008 12:41 PM CDT 0 recs
I am all for aggressiveness
I think it pumps the team up.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on
Sep 29, 2008 1:50 PM CDT
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I think the best strategy is...
to score more runs than the other team does in each game. If this happens, then we will win.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on Sep 29, 2008 1:05 PM CDT 0 recs
not necessarily
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on
Sep 29, 2008 1:21 PM CDT
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uh...
how do we lose if we score more runs than they do?
"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 29, 2008 1:22 PM CDT
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iz joke
I haz blurg: hotbeans.wordpress.com
by digitalbenjamin on
Sep 29, 2008 1:26 PM CDT
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Forefeit!
If the Dodgers decide that we’re just too much for them and don’t show up for the game, then we could have Carlos Marmol play himself.
Proud recipient of a hot dog shot from the Iowa Cubs hot dog gun.
by IowaCubs- on
Sep 29, 2008 1:49 PM CDT
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Carlos Marmol can't pitch and catch at the same time
But Ted Lilly can.
"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 29, 2008 2:02 PM CDT
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Hmmm.
When the Cubs have a runner on 3rd, insert Mr. Lilly as a pinch runner. That’s it, game over. The Dodgers leave the field and Ditka wins… Oh wait, my bad.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Sep 29, 2008 2:14 PM CDT
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And the grounds crew spends an hour...
…digging Russell Martin out of the dirt around home plate.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 29, 2008 2:19 PM CDT
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Nope, the games ends because Martin just
leaves the field before the pitch.
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Sep 29, 2008 2:20 PM CDT
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leaves = runs away
"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 29, 2008 2:52 PM CDT
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Or is jettisoned onto Clark Street...
…when Ted Lilly hits him.
The Chicago Cubs: 2008 Central Division Champions
by dat cubfan daver on
Sep 29, 2008 2:56 PM CDT
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What is a mini Ditka?
Disposable dixie cup drinkin... I'm hiding out in the big city blinking...
by N Oakley on
Sep 29, 2008 3:06 PM CDT
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I wonder what role Furcal will play?
Will he make the post season roster?
by otherones on Sep 29, 2008 4:40 PM CDT 0 recs
Peter Gammons
Just said on ESPNews that the Dodgers are very optimistic that Furcal will be hitting 2nd come game 1. I think (as has been mentioned) the ESPN fellas like to go against the Cubs to get everyone all excited. He really didn’t even say a peep about what the Cubs can do; just praised Lowe and Billingsly.
Its funny, you spend most of your life gripping a baseball. And in the end, its almost always the other way around.
by TCobb1911 on
Sep 29, 2008 7:49 PM CDT
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