Why don't we show them all how it's done..?

Go Cubs!

The first two games seemed like they didn't really even exist - with the latenight starts and the resulting obscurity (and I'm talking to you, TBS), it's no wonder they didn't seem to show up.  Games might as well have been in the twilight zone.

Time to wake up and lock in.

I like these contra-indicators.  The Cubs came into the NLCS as a heavy favorite.  Now no one likes them.  Good.

Time to MAN UP Cubs and stomp the Snakes.  Let's get 'em today!!  Score early and often.

I think so.

WE BELIEVE!

G O  C U B S ! ! ! !

Ridiculous. As if we don't know where to find the game on TV?

Baseball is a game of averages and streakiness....and if so, there is no reason that this team cannot come back from down 2...tough, yes it will be, but here's  few thoughts as to why this team can come back.....

-the very same players that have caused us much frustration (Lee, Ramirez, Soriano) with their poor plate attack, are the same players that in the past have been just as streaky in previous offseasons. In 2003, prior to game 5 of the NLCS, Ramirez had been lights out for the Cubs.....however, was essentially absent the rest of the way.  Also, prior to game 6, Derrek Lee had been atrocious for the Marlins.....but who was it that hit the crucial base hit to give the Marlins the 4-3 lead in that dreaded game 6?..that's right Lee.   If history is on our side, all of these guys should collectively escape their horrid pace and break out tonight and through the rest of this series anyway....

-regarding the concern of Webb being a dominator of the Cubs a second time, history's really not convincingly on his side.  Growing up, it was common for the aces to completely dominate in the entire offseason (Jack Morris, Saberhagen, Gooden and the likes)...you don't see that quite as often now.  Not saying Webb would flop if given the second chance, however, again in 2003 look at Josh Beckett, who was lit pretty well in game 1, but came back in game 5 and 7 to be lights out.....or Wood/Prior who were so dominant early only to get hit pretty hard eventually.  There are examples both ways on this one and probably just as much evidence to suggest Webb may be just as dominant as he was the first time around, but I can't believe he will be that dominant the second time around.  I fully believe Lilly to be much better the second time around as well.......

-breaks, breaks, breaks.  The Cubs capitalized on the breaks in 2003 in games 2,3,4, but the Marlins did so in games 1,6, 7.   The team that takes advantage of the other teams mistakes and makes the most of the breaks given to them usually wins.....we've seen that in BOTH games this offseason.  Even in game 2, the Cubs had a chance to tie that game  in the ninth after being given the breaks (Ojeda's error) yet our fastball hitters both struck out on fastballs right down the plate.    This has got to change and can change in a heartbeat.

That 2003 series was definitely more depressing than this one.....and is history that probably shouldn't be revisited....however, it was a good reminder to me of a mixed bunch of guys (the Marlins) with an old school manager (like Lou) who didn't quit at all, kept their cool and prevailed.  This team is similar to that team with a good mix....It's gotta start tonight with one game at a time....I've not lost complete confidence yet...but its' gotta start now.

Let's get em!

We could win the next 3 games.

Our bats must wake up of course.  Z will HAVE to be excellent tomorrow. I like putting that kind of pressure on him to contain himself.  He needs it.  And we know Lily can produce after 3 days rest.

For all those who complain about 3 days rest - get over it.  That is the way it used to be and many pitchers felt they were better for it.  Fergie Jenkins made 50 starts one year for Christ's Sake.

And Kendall is good for Hill.  

Let us all pray to the Hitting Gods......

Do not get swept and make a series of it.

Have fun!

 They must be patient and make Livian work and square up the ball, kinda like how the DBacks approach their ab's. If not, then this will be the most futile playoff performance by a playoffs team, ever.

I have seen this team come back from so many tough errors or bad holes that they have dug for themselves.  This is another one of those holes.  I just beleive that we will see a strong effort and victory today.

Today they stop digging and climb out of the hole.  Every journey begins with a first step.

Game 3 is step one.  GO CUBS!!

Dan

GO CUBS!!!

Please PLEASE Cubbies!  Do it!

Go get 'em, fellas!

 It's UPS. With a box. Hm. I don't remember buying anything recently. I sign and shut the door holding this box.  Shake. very light. Is it my birthday? No, not for another month.

 And what do I see when I lift the folds back but a Cub hat! THAT'S RIGHT!!! Ofcourse!! I had completely forgotten I had ordered a Cub had 1 month ago!!! ANd it just now comes today, of all days?? How had I forgotten I ordered a Cub hat? Oh that's right, that's about the time I started into Bears mode.

 Apparently it got lost and there's a note saying how sorry they are and to call a UPS CSR to find out more information. I've never been so happy to receive a package a month late.

 And it's a fitted hat. and it fits perfectly. Oh what a day. The Cubs will not lose today. It's fate.

All hell can't stop us now!

Go Get 'em Rich! You guys are home now, rake those DBacks over the coals!!!! I am fired up today! Let's go!

Ummm...what manager would have ever asked The Big Skirt to -- bunt?

Suddenly, Ripkin takes the bat from his hand and says...uh, nice form, but maybe this would work...."

Ripkin then completely shows a different way to bunt.

Nice 1-upmanship.

"Are they gonna do it today? They gonna make it."

Frankly, I just looked at her and told her "Yes, absolutely. It's the Cardiac Cubs .. they're back home and they are going to keep it exciting to the end."

I'm ready for the real excitement. GO CUBS!

• Not watch Frank TV
• Not get any romantic tips from Avis

We must respond. I look forward to a SOriano response

could get ugly this evening.

Good start Fonz!

Freakin' umps...

now you yell at them for NOT swinging.

You sure do want it both ways, don't you.  Sheesh.

At least two of those called strikes were balls.  The UMP is screwing us so far.

Doesn't matter, the call was right...but the "computer" seems wierd.

See my post above for the Cubs BA.

Pretty unreal, huh?

Dang!

What's wrong with the crowd NOW, Stock-TONE!