Game 7 of the World Series, who's pitching?
by Unique on Apr 6, 2010 12:42 PM CDT
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Had an interesting debate with a fellow Cubs fan today, in which, he would want Zambrano to get the ball in the event we need to clinch or win a series. I counter, saying that Dempster is right now (and has been for the last two years) the best pitcher of the staff and the most consistent. Zambrano, IMO is the most talented, but has been way too inconsistent to be counted on in a high caliber game.
Not taking yesterday in consideration (which is hard to do), who would you want to take the ball if we needed a win? Would you take Z in game two?
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I like Dempster.
But I think Ted Lilly would be the best choice. For one thing, he’s lefthanded.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I'm surprised for all the Lilly love.
He’s been everything we could ask for — but I truly think Demp is a better pitcher.
Fair debate though.
2010 is OUR year.
I picked Zambrano b/c he has shown he can pitch well in the playoffs.
As consistent as Lilly has been in his tenure w/the Cubs, however, I cant get this one playoff memory out of my head when thinking about this question.
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/16601/lillymeltdown.gif
That is the last thing you would want to happen in Game 7 world series.
Dempster has been solid over the last two years, particulary two years ago he had an exceptional regular season and as a result, got game 1 vs the dodgers instead of big Z. I’m sure just like the Lilly moment, everyone remembers Loney’s Granny just when Dempster looked like he was going to escape.
Even though the results aren’t there for Big Z, due to being pulled in the 6th inning and the implosion of our infield defense, Z has pitched well in the playoffs.
I'd trust Maddux 2010
to reach into the depths of his mind and body and pull out a win much more than I trust any of those named above do to the same. He knows how to win Championships (ok … National League championships … but that’s still more than we can say for the others).
Probably Halladay vs. Sabathia. Or Beckett.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
by D98 on Apr 6, 2010 12:56 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Lilly.
But only just. Demp is a very good pitcher as well. I’d give Z the second home game of the series.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
I'd have to go with Ted.
Or judging by yesterday I might’ve picked Marshall if he was on your list.
"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes
I dont think
we’ll have to worry about it
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Apr 6, 2010 1:11 PM CDT reply actions
You are right.
They will probably win it in 4.
"Chicago Cubs baseball is on the air."-Pat Hughes
by katie casey on Apr 6, 2010 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Now that's the way to think!
Rec’d
"I won't be like A-Rod" - Z, 3/17/09
by Ihatethecards on Apr 6, 2010 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
The CUBS
will win it in four!
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 6, 2010 7:29 PM CDT up reply actions
The ironic thing about Zambrano....
is that he is one of the few Cubs who has actually shown up, let alone performed well, in the ’07 and ’08 playoffs. Remember he threw great in Game 1 of ’07 before he was yanked early by Lou, and of course, the offense did absolutely nothing to help him. In Game 2 of ’08, he at least looked sharp in the early innings before his defense turned a should-be scoreless top of the second into a five-run outburst. But based on his consistency, I would definitely go with Lilly.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Well, if it isn't Senor Ted with a comfortable lead
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
Per Austin Powers
Do I make you horny? Randy? Do I make you horny, baby, yeah, do I?
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
Ummm
What?
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 6, 2010 7:30 PM CDT up reply actions
Z would be my 3rd choice...
…and as this year goes on, he may drop to 4th.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Have to go with Lilly
Best pitcher on the staff the last three years and if it’s at home it’s a no-brainer. Remember Ted had a 1.87 ERA at Wrigley last year.
Great point
Is this a home game?
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 6, 2010 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions
My second choice is 1908 Orval Overall...
who started the last Cubs WS clincher.
A-well-a Byrd, Byrd, Byrd, well the Byrd is the word.
what a great name
"There are no curses here...Games are won and lost on the baseball field" - Lou Piniella
Whoever we trade for by July 31
There is no one I’d trust on this current team.
There is no such thing as an ugly female breast
Really?
I trust Dempster. As long as his control is on point (well you could say the same for Zambrano) I would feel confident that he could go out there and give us 6 or 7 innings
But I do agree with your overall perspective.. I think if we are in contention we need to get a front end starter. An stopper.
But the bigger question is.. who could even be avaliable? There are really no big name pitchers that even could be on the block that I could think of…
2010 is OUR year.
I agree about Demp; as for the possible available SPs...
Cliff Lee is the obvious one.
Then it’s possible one of these guys will look like a stopper come mid—season:
Ben Sheets
Brandon Webb
Erik Bedard
Aaron Harang
Jeremy Bonderman
"What a lot of people don’t see is the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in the organization over the last few years. We have a lot of very talented guys coming up through the system. Jim has built an incredible scouting organization." - Tom Ricketts
by DGU on Apr 6, 2010 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Yuck.
The only ones that are attractive to me (an upgrade from Dempster) is either Webb (needs to be healthy).. or Sheets (again, needs to be healthy).
What about Cliff Lee?
2010 is OUR year.
Gil Meche is another possibility.
And maybe the Red Sox would trade Daisuke.
I agree this isn’t a promising list, which is why Ted Lilly may earn quite a retun if we do trade him.
"What a lot of people don’t see is the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in the organization over the last few years. We have a lot of very talented guys coming up through the system. Jim has built an incredible scouting organization." - Tom Ricketts
by DGU on Apr 6, 2010 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions
No
NOT Diaskuke. PLEASE!
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 6, 2010 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Gil Meche is also not really an improvement
in my eyes. I wonder if Diamondbacks would trade Dan Haren for the right deal. Heard some rumors about the Cubs being interested last year.
2010 is OUR year.
Better add Derrek Lee's friend
Chris Young to the list – he’s looking good; I wouldn’t trust him down the stretch, though.
"What a lot of people don’t see is the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in the organization over the last few years. We have a lot of very talented guys coming up through the system. Jim has built an incredible scouting organization." - Tom Ricketts
It is a fun debate... and I know the point of the debate.
But, of course, scheduling plays as big a role as choice when you get to that point.
If we think of the Cubs being in a 7 game series, let’s assume they’d go with 4 SPs.
Isn’t “who should start games 1 & 2?” the better, and more important, question than who would start game 7?
What I would do:
Demp – Lilly – Z – Wells – Demp – Lilly – Z* with the option to go with Wells (similar to what the Angels did with Lackey).
Does that mean I want Z to start a game 7? Not really… the thought makes my heart palpitate, actually. But I don’t think you can set your games 1-4 starters based on the possibility of who you want pitching a game 7.
If the Cubs get back to the postseason...
…I’d love to see a three man rotation, with the other two coming out of the bullpen.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Really a..
3 man rotation of Lilly, Z, and Demp? If the Cubs do end up getting to this point I’m assuming Randy Wells had a similar year to lasts. If that is true, I really don’t think he is that much of a downgrade compared to the other 3. I’d rather give the other starters an extra days rest and give Wells a shot, rather than going with 3.
by Mothershipwit on Apr 6, 2010 3:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I don't disagree...
On the other hand, I just don’t see Lou doing it. And there’s a fair amount of data showing that in the modern era, “short rest” doesn’t work out that well.
But I could see that happening, particularly if one of those four were struggling.
Ted Lilly
with relief by Sean Marshall to finish the game
"They say you don’t win a pennant in April, but you can sure lose one." - Ryan Dempster
None of the Above
Give the ball to Fergie, c1971.
But on the current roster, Teddy Roosevelt Lilly.
If It Takes Forever ....
Marshall ahead of Wells and Zambrano.
Wow. I think he’s good enough to be an effective #3 but I dunno.
2010 is OUR year.
What's with the Marshall love?
Seriously, one good outing and suddenly he’s king.
I can’t wait to see what will happen if Silva pitches well.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 6, 2010 7:34 PM CDT up reply actions
One good outing?
What a dumb post.
Marshall has been very reliable basically his whole tenure. I like the guy a lot. It just seems like he doesn’t get rattled. Ever. And if we’re having a discussion about who would start the most important game in the franchise’s history, I think that’s a quality that carries a lot of weight.
His career ERA is a whole run higher than Zambrano's
Would you like more statistics? What a dumb post.
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 7, 2010 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Exactly
“predominantly been a relief pitcher.” And you’re suggesting he starts?
"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver
by wrigleyrocker12 on Apr 11, 2010 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
honestly
whereas with some teams, you know who you would prefer in a game 7 situation, there isn’t a single guy that makes me go, off the top, he’s the man. and like someone said above, you’d rather get your best arms 4 starts in the series (if you go with a 4 man rotation).
I voted Lilly because I think he’s the more consistent guy, but I could go with Dempster as well. Actually … whoever’s “hot” would be my preference from our current staff. Heck, if a rookie is the hot guy, so be it.
Question..
is there anyone who could come up and dominate in the minors right now? Obviously it was an ‘obvious’ answer the person would already be with the big league club. But is there anyone who could put it all together, in your opinion and have a good-to-great season with the club?
I scout the team as well, but I wanted to know your opinion. If I had to guess, I would say either say Cashner or Jackson but just wanted to hear someone elses opinion.
2010 is OUR year.
My own opinion is that
none of our guys are guys that we can expect to come up and dominate (none of our guys are in that top tier of pitching prospects), but surprises can happen. As good as Cashner’s stuff is, it’s hard to imagine him putting it together this year and dominating as a starter. Carpenter’s banged up, so that really leaves Jay Jackson, and if his changeup improves and he’s more consistent, sure, could I see him get “hot”? Yes, but to be fair, I should note that I am a big Jay Jackson fan. That said, with a fb that can get to the mid 90’’s and 2 good breaking pitches, he has a good shot if he can improve the change and show better control.
is it a cause for concern?
yes, no doubt about it. There weren’t any huge negative reports out of college, IIRC, with a lot of reports on what a good kid he is. Feels like, by most accounts, a mistake due to youth, which I’m sure many of us can understand, but it is something to be concerned with. That said … this isn’t like, say, a guy with a DUI. I’m willing to let him get a mulligan. Admittedly, if he didn’t have this sort of talent, I might be a tad harsh. Fair? Of course not, but that’s the reality of the situation in most pro sports – if you’ve got game, you’ll get a shot.
Is Maddux an option?
They could activate for the post season.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either Jim
CC Sabathia vs Roy Halladay more than likely
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
can i chime in?
I think all of you are wrong. Game 7 who is pitching? Marmol, we need the save in the 9th
Unofficial Self Appointed President of the Castro Blocker Fan Club
Rich Harden!
Oh wait….
Well, I want Wells. :D
A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!! GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
Game 7...
Two outs, bottom of the 9th. Cubs trailing by a run. Bases loaded. Who do you want up? Personally if this were a poll, I think Aramis would run away with it. I could see Kosuke getting a lot of votes too. Possibly even DLee.
Not Big Z?
"What a lot of people don’t see is the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in the organization over the last few years. We have a lot of very talented guys coming up through the system. Jim has built an incredible scouting organization." - Tom Ricketts
Would rather
have Z up there instead of Fukudome if a left hander is pitching, thats for sure, lol.
2010 is OUR year.
you send Dome up if it's a righty
if they switch the pitcher out, you send up Nady.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Apr 7, 2010 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Alright I take DLee
assuming he’s the same DLee we saw for the last 5 months of last year – and also because that means that if Lee takes the walk to tie the game, Aramis is up next to win it.
"What a lot of people don’t see is the tremendous amount of progress that has been made in the organization over the last few years. We have a lot of very talented guys coming up through the system. Jim has built an incredible scouting organization." - Tom Ricketts
The title of the post
referenced the World Series, yes. The purpose of the thread was to see who would you want to see pitch in a ‘clinching’ game or a must win game?
Just a fun thread for an offday, relax.
2010 is OUR year.
My 2nd grade teacher
Because clearly I’d be dreaming.
Please visit my mind-blowingly mind-blowing website at MrSportsKnowItAll.com.
by MrSportsKnowItAll on Apr 7, 2010 12:27 PM CDT reply actions
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