Most Important Series of the Year?

by frustratedfan on Jul 9, 2009 9:47 PM CDT Comment 66 comments

Is this weekend's 4 game set with the Cards the most important series of the year? I think that it is the make or break series for the Cubs. If they win all four, they will be the prohibitive favorite. If they lose all four, they will collapse in a series of finger pointing. And I think if they win less than three, they will give up. I hope its a sweep or I am wrong, but I think that this is THE series that will tell the tale of the season.

Poll

Is this the Make or Break Series?

Yes, no matter who wins.

35 votes

Yes if the Cubs Sweep or are Swept

52 votes

No, even if they are swept

27 votes

No

46 votes

160 votes | Poll has closed

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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Comments

It is until the next one

Last weekend, the 4-game set with the Brewers was the most important and Cubs succeeded. Cubs are in the exact same scenario as they were last week.

As long as Cubs don’t get swept they will still be in it but being 7.5 games out at All Star Break is going to be a very hard task and they might want to look at the Wildcard as best case scenario.

by ak123 on Jul 9, 2009 10:02 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

you're not out of it

till you’re mathematically eliminated. Certainly, it would be a blow, but still not an irrecoverable one.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 9, 2009 10:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That's all purty

But it’s also illogical. No team has been mathematically eliminated.

Do you honestly believe the Nationals have a chance?

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Jul 10, 2009 6:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course they have a chance.

it’s a very SMALL chance, but they have a chance.

We have a much better chance. And we have a chance till we’re mathematically eliminated.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes, and the titanic wasn't sunk when one could still see

the tip of the rudder.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 10, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you're not sunk

till you’re mathematically eliminated.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No that's perfectly logical.

By pure technical logic, they have a chance.

But our feelings, based on their performance so far, put them out of contention.

by Arbusto on Jul 10, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"you're not out of it till you’re mathematically eliminated."

and the sun rises in the east, sets in the west, sky is blue, blah blah

by cubsnlinux on Jul 10, 2009 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The World Series?

We are at exactly the halfway point right now, 82 games. So no, there remain 78 games after this series.

In some respects, yes, this series is extremely important from a team morale standpoint. We get everybody back, and then lose Geo & Dempster a day later. I think a sweep is unlikely from either side, but we are without our starting catcher, gonna have a rookie or AAA pitcher throw on Sunday, and Lou & Soriano are bitching at each other.

Dan

PS – Sports Illustrated tells me Adam Dunn has reached 300 home runs in the least number of at-bats (4,145) than all but four MLB players, ever (Ruth, McGwire, Kiner, Killebrew). Just sayin’.

"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks

by dtpollitt on Jul 9, 2009 10:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No rookie pitching but Wells

Harden, Wells, Lilly, Z pitching 4 game set.

Harden vs. Carpenter. That’s a good match because Carpenter is close to unbeatable and if Harden has his bad stuff I’d rather it be against an ace than against a pitcher with a 4.50 ERA we can beat.

I wish Lou was a little more ballsy and consider putting Fox in catchers spot one game.

by ak123 on Jul 9, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good point about the Carpenter-Harden match-up

I have tomorrow as an almost certain loss but, like you said, at least it’s with our worst starter (up to this point) aganst their best.

by bluekoolaide on Jul 9, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Weird how it comes out that way

But hey you never know…Harden could come thru with a great pitching performance. He did pitch well only 2 starts ago.

So I also hate putting a definite loss in it for us (especially the game opener) but if they chip away and can get a run or two then maybe they can win it.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great point about Carpenter v. Harden

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 10, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish they'd make a roster move and call up a catcher for this series.

We play a friggin double header. He can;t make Hill catch both games. And Fox… ugh. I don’t want him calling a game… it’s too important.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 10, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Interesting about Adam Dunn...

But at-bats is a stupid denominator. They should be using plate appearances. The difference is especially relevant with a guy like Dunn that walks a lot. You don’t get an extra at-bat in a game just because you drew a walk in one of them. The only reason the at-bat exists as a stat is as a denominator for batting average, and it’s tuned specifically towards this use — should walks and sac flies not count towards strikeout and home run rates?

I’m sure Dunn ranks pretty well if they properly use PA as the denominator, but probably not quite as well.

by aldimond on Jul 10, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Something tells me that the clubhouse is pretty uncomfortable right now

Winning this series could do a lot to improve the mood going into the break. Lou has practically thrown his players and the new hitting coach under the bus for being unable to produce more consistently. If you told me this team would be around .500 going into the break this year, I would have laughed in your face. Now I’d be surprised if this team didn’t finish the season .500. Talk about a disappointment all around. If the Cubs get swept or lose this series, I get the feeling that some major changes are going to be made here and they won’t be good.

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Jul 9, 2009 10:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

A Dying Cubs Fan's Last Request ....

is actually a really catchy song.

Milton ...... see the ball hit the ball

by lexmarklover on Jul 9, 2009 10:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

and now

for something completely different…

"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 Jul 10, 2009 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am the Frito Bandito

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 10, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another interesting question to ponder for this series

Bases loaded late in the Game with Pujols coming to bat, Luddy batting behind him and the Cubs with a 4-1 lead: 1) Do you pitch to him 2) Do you intentional walk him 3) Do you attempt to give him the unintentional intentional walk. Does your opinion Change if their are two outs…

Pujols is 6-7 with the sacks packed this year with 4 salamis….if 2 outs, I think I would walk him and take your chances with Luddy. If less than 2 outs, I think you have to pitch to him.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Jul 9, 2009 11:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You bean him right in the C*ck!

"It’s up to Miles to keep the Cubs alive"

by xene on Jul 10, 2009 12:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is baseball--NOT the Longest Yard.

by DudeVf11 on Jul 10, 2009 7:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I certainly wouldnt give him an intentional walk with the bases loaded

but i would certainly pitch around him. id have the guy i have the most confidence in face him and try the paint the low outside corner, if he walks so be it, but i doubt he would jack one out of the park.

by burncruisin on Jul 10, 2009 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

4 pitchers thought the same thing

wells4roty

by jesus christos on Jul 10, 2009 1:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

let me explain something here

for those of you that don’t watch albert everyday.

in his last 13 plate appearances with the bases loaded, albert is 9 for 11 with 2 sac flies and 30 RBI’s.

Don’t bother getting cute….just intentionally walk him and you’ll still be in the game.

"Greene over to Schumaker, on to first! Double Play!!"

by The Ghost of Todd Burns on Jul 10, 2009 1:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Rec'd.

Baker and the Reds had this happen to them last week…leading 3-0 in the 7th (or 8th, not sure which) they elected to pitch to him with 2 outs. He hit a slam, 4-3 Cards. Cards win.

I strongly believe in never letting the other teams best hitter beat you, especially when it’s the best and most clutch hitter in the game.

I like to take the ABC approach this weekend…

Anybody
But
Cub Killer Albert

Actually, traditionally Cubs pitching has handled him pretty well if memory serves. Just stay away from him in situations where he can put a seriously crooked number up.

I have nothing funny or creative to write.

by Canadian Cubs Fan on Jul 10, 2009 6:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unintentional Intentional Walk

Have Marmol pitch to him. Isn’t the unintentional intentional walk his specialty?

by CubbieFaninOhio on Jul 10, 2009 7:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Marmol is available

I would have Marmol throw nothing but hard sliders, if he walks he walks. If Marmol isn’t available I might consider walking him intentionally. I wish Dempster didn’t hurt is toe, becuase we would have Zambrano available in the pen for the weekend.

Did you know Pujols is 5/20 against Marshall with only 1 home run and 4/17 against Marmol with no home run.

by Cubsfan Waveland on Jul 10, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I really like this idea

Kudos

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 10, 2009 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I bet our staff knows Marshalls numbers against Pujols

and that is one reason Marshall is being left in the pen.

by Cubsfan Waveland on Jul 10, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I doubt that if Guzman and Marshall are available that Marshall will be brought in to solely pitch to Pujols. However, someone might be able to make the leap that if he is brought in to pitch to Rasmus that they might let him stay in to face Pujols.

"When two Whales Fight, many Shrimp Die" - Korean Proverb

by TheRiot Police on Jul 10, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you walk pujols every time he comes to the plate

until ludwick starts killing you. unfortunately, ludwick is at the beginning of a hot streak.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 10, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Important, Yes, because Cards are in First place....

so a win against them automatically moves the Cubs up a game, a loss down a game, in the standings. Make or break series, no. To sweep or win three would be like last weekend against the Brewers, a big boost for the Cubs, and a big kick in the pants for the Cards. To lose 4 or 3, same thing reversed. If the Cubs play well (insert here hit well), and win at least 3 of 4, then my faith is restored. If they split, my faith remains shaky, if they lose 3 or more, my faith is broken, until they do something really big/significant to restore it again.

The most fun I ever had in my life was hittin' a baseball. And the best sound I ever heard in my life was a ball hit with a bat. Powww! (Ted Williams)

by letsplay2two on Jul 10, 2009 12:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Cards Are Doing Everything Right And Hard To Stop Now

I said it once and I’ll say it again. I am a die hard Cubbie fan, but this year some of the Cub player’s really suck. I mean what the hell is really wrong with Alfonso? Then I read where Soto is blasting weed and that big jerk Bradley has a brain that turns off on him causing him to throw the ball into the crowd with only two outs and subsequently misses an easy fly and blames it on the sun then he has a primmadonna verbal altercation with the team manager. Here’s what I really think, first: Soto, Soriano, Bradley and Pinella all smoke something funny that de-ehances their ability to play and think baseball. All four of these guys are brain toasted and should pack up, hit the road and find a new line of work. Oh! before I forget, they should also take that sleazy Cub general manager with them. I say make D. Lee a player-manager for the Chicago Cubs, because Derrick has fortitude, stamina and never gives up plus he is intelligent and tells it like it is and he is respected by his fellow team mates. I know what you readers might be thinking after reading my post, but this is my personal opinion and wishful thinking. I just hope the birds don’t broom the series against the Cubs this weekend.

by Shambles on Jul 10, 2009 1:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm thinking, welcome back, Eric

AND NEED MORE CAPLOCK !!!!!!!!

by TORCO on Jul 10, 2009 7:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the eighth and final rule: if this is your first time at Fight Club, you have to fight.

by Ace Venom on Jul 10, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am in awe.

I'm a Cubs FANATIC. They are my team, through thick and thin. [ibid] This is the kind of fan I am.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 10, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Evidentially

Soto, Soriano, Bradley and Pinella aren’t the only ones smoking something funny.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra

by DMCub on Jul 10, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I voted "yes--no matter what" just to be part of the frenzy. But this isn't the beginning or the end

of the season. One game at a time, the most important game is today’s game, it’s the only one that we can win today.

by DudeVf11 on Jul 10, 2009 7:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Big series? Definitely

However, it isnt over if the Cubs lose 3 of 4. That said, I think it would be a big boost for the team (and the fans) to win 3 of 4 or sweep. Todays game is big, because I think the DH on Sunday will be tricky

Oh Baby!

by cubswgnrocks on Jul 10, 2009 8:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Harder for Cards though

4 game set with Brewers then 4 game set with us with no days off. They have to be tired.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um.

The Cardinals and Brewers played three games. They had Monday off.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind then

I’m right 85% of the time and I never make Peavy/Roberts/DeRosa posts so I think I’m still in good standings :)

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its a big series, but not the most important

Certainly not with Harden going in one of the games. I think this is headed for splitsville, we will win when Ted Lilly and Z pitch. They will when Carpenter and Wainwright do.

Unless we are still not scoring runs. Then we might be in some trouble this weekend.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 8:55 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You don't think Wells can shut the Cardinals down?

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jul 10, 2009 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know what it is

I just can’t bring myself to thinking Randy Wells can keep being this good. I hope I’m wrong though.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 9:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well proved it this week IMO

He shutdown the Braves pretty nicely twice. I think that’s a good test since it’s the first team he’s pitched to twice.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Any ML pitcher can shut down any ML lineup down on a given day

Any ML pitcher can also get lit up. Wells has benefitted from some pretty good luck by several measures and I don’t think it’s realistic to expect that to continue. I’d be very surprised if his second-half ERA was under 3 — maybe under 4 if he can keep his walks down.

by aldimond on Jul 10, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We will win when Z, Lilly, and Wells throws

only if they can score some runs.

by Don't Fear the Reaper on Jul 10, 2009 9:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I will be happy

As long as it’s a split or a series win. The Cubs can’t afford to lose the series.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 10, 2009 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They need to score at least 4+ runs a game to have

a shot at taking the series. If there is one thing going for the Cards all year is that they have been scoring a lot of runs (6th in the NL). We need to stop the Albert Pujols machine.

by Don't Fear the Reaper on Jul 10, 2009 9:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Everyone stop worrying about Harden

He’ll be fine.

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 10, 2009 9:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I totally agree.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 10, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

His arm isn’t able to throw very many innings. He needs another DL stint because this just isn’t a guy who can pitch every 5 days for more than about a month.

Just say no to players named Aaron on the Cubs.

by nji232 on Jul 10, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure, with the money he's already made and no dependents, prudent investing will provide well for him.

I'm singing, "GO CUBS GO! GO CUBS GO!" -- DrCrawdad on Jun 12, 2009 7:23 AM CDT

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! -- Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Jul 10, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Win less than three they give up hope?

So glad you aren’t playing for the Cubs. That’s ridiculous.

First of all, the teams are more than likely going to split the double header. So that would mean taking the first two games, the first of which is against Carpenter. I think the Cubs will split the series.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jul 10, 2009 9:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Pujols vs. Lee

Overall Pujols is the better player, no debate there I hope.

But in the last 4 weeks (minus last two games), I think both men are evenly matched offensively. This series is pretty even all weekend IMO especially if we get the Harden we all know can pitch today.

by ak123 on Jul 10, 2009 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

I get exactly what you mean. I have been more than pleasantly surprised with what Lee has done since May. I thought he was done myself with that neck injury and the way he hit in April. Lee isn’t Pujols, but in certain stretches, he can be as good as Pujols.

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Jul 10, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just don't get swept and all will be fine.

Falling behind the cards by 4 additional games would be pretty brutal. Not final, but would make the second half much tougher than necessary.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Jul 10, 2009 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Let's be the ones doing the sweeping.

"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)

Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.

by SackMan on Jul 10, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm good with that as well.

if this was still new to me, i wouldn't understand

by N Oakley on Jul 10, 2009 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i've become convinced that the cards are going to land halladay.

that makes me want to vomit.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 10, 2009 11:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm assuming that's a gut feeling...no pun intended

by cufban2522 on Jul 10, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

we'll they are rumored to be heavily interested.

they seem to have the pieces to get it done, if they’re willing to give up wallace. carpenter and hallady are good friends. it just seems likely to me. that would be a devastating rotation. if they get halladay and derosa comes back, i could see that team winning the world series.

"If you play more than two chords, you're showing off."--Woody Guthrie

by buckmulligan on Jul 10, 2009 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs