I'm picking the Cubs in five. I just think with Carlos Zambrano returning to form, the Cubs have better starting pitching and are the more dangerous team in a short series.
I think the Cubs' biggest worry continues to be Ryan Dempster. Who's the one person you think of when you think of recent Yankees postseason success? Mariano Rivera. The position is vital, and Dempster just isn't that good.
i don't know about this one. The Diamondbacks are one of those teams the Cubs have trouble with. Fortunately, they are all 'home' games for the Cubbies this series.
Maybe we can put in Griese instead of Dempster?!?!?!?!?!?
I will say this, if you think Zambrano is emotional and can be rattled, wait till Chicago gets a load of Valverde....(hopefully we wont have to see him much), but this guy is like Z on bad acid with a 100mph breaking ball.
I don't see this series going the distance Roman. I expect the Cubs to wrap it up over the weekend at Wrigley.
I agree with you about Dempster. He has blown to many saves to be the least bit reliable. I cringe when he gets the call. I am not sure why Pinella continues to use him. Wood has shown that he can shut down an offence for one or two innings on a consistent basis so why he has not moved into the closer role is a mystery. I understand you don't want to shatter Dempsters confidence but a mediocre pitchers ego should not matter in a win or go home situation. Lets just hope that the Cubs blow everyone out so they don't need to go picking in the Dumpster.
GO CUBS!
I like the Cubs in four. I think you are right about Dempster. I also think they need to start Soto to try and control the Arizona running game. The Rockies winning is also a plus for the Cubs. They have a better chance of beating the Phillies than the Padres.
And the Cubs beat Colorado 5 times this year.
Here's a prediction. I know Lou said Marquis is not starting and Zambrano would throw again on Sunday. I say he reverses that when he sees the weather change and the wind blows in on Sunday.
I going Cubs in 5 also. This series will show how our middle relief has gone from being a liability to one of our strengths over the coarse of the season. Carlos Marmol very well could be the MVP of the second half along with Soriano. If we can get 5 to 6 solid innings from our starters, I like our chances. That being said, WE HAVE TO HIT.
GO CUBS!!
Dempster doesn't have the amazing arm and stuff one often gets in a closer but he does have the scrapper attitude and the required mental toughness. You have to at least give him that.
you never know. Didn't the Rockies just pound Jake Peavy who's been nearly unhittable all year in the biggest game of the year for the Padres?
Though I like the Mountain Goats song "Cubs in Five," I'd be surprised if this series goes that long. Game 1 is key though. If the Cubs can get through Webb, I see the series ending quickly. In a short series the Cubs' rotation looks pretty decent. Plus the Cubs' offense -- which has been uneven all season -- is still better than the D-Backs.
I just hope the pitchers have learned how to bunt: Lilly and Hill suck at it, and it's embarrassing. You can't have those sort of missing fundamentals in October.
I'm going Cubbies in 4. The D-Backs only have one legit starter in Brandon Webb and he can't beat the Cubs twice, especially with the recent power surge tearing through the Cubs line-up.
I got the Cubs in 5. But like the gentlemen said Ryan Dempster aint that good...Arent closer supposed to throw heat like 95+ he doesnt have that.I think Kerry should be the closer for the Cubs.
Roman responds: I was thinking the same thing, although Marmol's pretty darn good. Did you see Trevor Hoffman yesterday? I didn't realize his fastball now is only in the mid 80s, and you see what happened to him.
I'm not making any predictions for fear of jinxing the team.The way my pool picks in the NFL have been going,any guess I made might spell the death knoll for the Cubs.
I like the Cubs in 4. Although it does worry me a little that all the ESPN analysts are picking the Cubs.
Cubs in 4. They win the first 2. Big Z leaves in game 3 with a 2 run lead and dempster blows it in the 9th. I don't know what Lou sees in him. I think Marmol or Howry should be closing. I think if Soto catchs we should be able to hold some of the baby d-backs speed in check. Lou needs to stay aggressive. Keep doing what you got you there, don't change your game plan.
I like the Cubbies in 4--if they are hitting.
I just think the starters for Arizona fall too far off after Webb.
This was the matchup the Cubs needed to get. The D-Backs are a talented young squad, but they are also a statistical fluke that lacks the power to come back from multiple run deficits.
If the Northsiders continue their September power surge, they celebrate at the friendly confines.
To go along with all the hyperbole that I read in the papers and hear on the radio and T.V., I'll pick the Cubs in 2. They'll be so dominant that the D-Backs will forfeit the 3rd game (big, big eye-roll).
Oh wait, it's the Cubs . . . that means Arizona in 4.
I think this will be the toughest series for DaCubs...I wonder if there will be more Cubs fans at the ballpark...every Chi/Phx sporting event I attended in AZ had more Chicago fans....except Suns games
There really is no such thing as a real Cardinals, Diamondbacks, or Coyotes fan....It's more of a nothing better to do type of thing out there....unless you're a stroke.....there's golf...
A win is like kissin your sister in AZ....Hopefully, the crowd will push the Cubbies....it should
There's a Luke's on the northeast corner of Indian School and 16th street..If you're going to AZ..and ya wanna Beef....
I was thinking of closers, too....I like what Howry does when I watch him
I guess the "sexy" pick would be Carlos Marmol
Why is everybody taking the Diamondbacks lightly? There is a reason why they had the best record in the NL. Cubbie fans are setting themselves up for disappointment.
Love the Idea of Wood as Closer.
Im doing my part, bringing 4 cubs fans!
WHAT? ." There really is no such thing as a real Cardinals, Diamondbacks, or Coyotes fan..It's more of a nothing better to do type of thing out there....unless you're a stroke.....there's golf...NEWSFLASH: there are REAL Cardinal, D-back, and Coyote
What a ridiculous statement. Nothing better to do? Why are there so many Cub fans in Phoenix? Do you think they're all flying in for the games? No They live here because they wanted to escape the Midwest. Nothing to do? I believe you have it reversed. Fans in places like Arizona and Southern Calif have TOO many demands on their time. I'm telling you. Cub fans are getting cocky. For NO reason, I might add.
Roman your wrong, you always have been wrong, and you don't know anything.
Roman responds: At least I know the difference between "your" and "you're."
Dbacks in 4. All season they've been counted out and yet people still don't learn. You have no clue what you are in for... And no, there has never been an instance in which an opposing teams fans outnumbered those pulling for arizona. Those who say thats not the case have no idea what they are talking about. Though the cameras will focus on the cub fans in this series, in reality it will be an 80-20 mix. Not bad when your facing a team thats been a "loveable loser" for well over 100 years and made a home in phx during the springs. Not to mention the fact the dbacks have been around for 10 years. May the best team win!!!
The Cubs are gonna sweep the D-Backs because that is what everyone is expecting the NOT to do. I'm scare of the Phillies because their pitching is weak and the teams that the Cubs are SUPPOSED to beat, they usually don't!
I'd love to see the Cubs win, of course. But if they lose, what I'd like to see more than anything is the team, and fans in particular, taking ownership of that and not blaming any person or animal for it. When the wheels come off, its always someone else's fault. I saw Lester Munson interviewed during a feature on ESPN yesterday (about the stupid "curse") and he said if he saw Bartman walking down the street today, he'd feel like strangling him. That poor guy - and I'm sure I'm going to get reamed for saying this - I feel sorry for him and I have ever since the incident. He wasn't wearing a Cubs uniform, it was not his fault, but he's probably had to legally change his name because the entire world says it is. It was all the other bone-headed things the Cubs did after that that cost them the game. But no one ever mentions that - its always "the curse". If and when they do win it all, it's going to be because of the hard work and great play of the guys on the team and a great manager.
Go Cubs!
If the Cubs and big "Z" win game one tonite I would expect a sweep. It would seem those of you picking the Cubs in 4 are expecting a loss in game 3 with Hill starting, I don't see it that way. If Soto holds their runners in check the D'Backs offense is non-existant. Bottom line is only if the D-Backs win game 1 or 2 does the series go 4 games.
Cubs could easily beat Dbacks & go on to win it all. No team is really that tough in either league in 07 playoffs. Dbacks have a good bullpen that has struggled a bit of late & not exactly a great hitting team.Cubs weaknesses are fundamentals such as bunting & a closer you can't trust to do the job. Kendall I hope is kept on bench. Cubs can't afford to play guys who allows its opponent a edge. Cubs in 4 or 5 Id say if they don't beat themselves . Dempster could be the goat such has in close games that can be expected versus the likes of Webb tonight.Hopefully Lou will have a quick hook when it comes to Dempster? Hendry's biggest mistake was spending allot of money & not acquiring a legit closer.
I went to the bar to watch the Bears game last sunday @10am and we counted 15 other teams jerseys.
Thats Arizona Sports!!
Maybe Jaun meant you own "Wrong"???
Nice put-down, Roman. Do you also know the differnces of "they're/there/there/their," and "it's/its"? I'm working for a charity until 7:00 tonight but will definitely get back in time to watch the game. I'm still not making predictions, but there in Arizona tonight,there is likely to be a full house and they're likely to play their most outstanding ball.
Juan's post has me dying laughing! Cubs in 5! Diamondbacks are going to make the Cubs work for it.
Roman responds: You're easily amused. Turns out Juan is a friend of mine, Nate, who writes for a living and still doesn't know your from you're. Yikes.
Cubs in four IF Lou's batting order is:
Theriot
Fontenot
Soriano
Lee
Ramirez
DeRosa (right field)
Soto
Floyd/Murton/Jones
Pitcher
Late innings move DeRosa to second and fill in the outfield as needed for better defense.
If Eyre or Wuertz make an appearance (other than to walk from the clubhouse to the bullpen), the Cubs are in trouble.
If Lou doesn't take this free advice, then it's Dbacks in five.
If Zambrano can settle down and realize he has the chance to win the first of 11 victories for this post season….he’ll be in the right mind set. If he goes into tonight's game tense and tries to overpower the D-backs…the Cubs may be in trouble.
It will be a “pitching” game tonight. Cubs need to get on the board early to win!!!
Pinella has soto starting so that's a plus, never understood why he was going back and forth with kendall when soto is all around better. I don't like ryan dumpster either, he is lacking confidence, sort of like grossman...uggh.
BURN. Nice one on Juan Roman (not sarcastic)
Also bculz's Griese comment actually made me laugh out loud. Good show, this blog totally didn't make me angry today. I'm going to have to ask Matt in what universe Carlos Zambrano throws a pitch in game 3, but other than that, well done everyone.
Even you Roman, I like the prediction, and your (correct) hint that Marmol should get the call in big game situations. There's no reason to reserve Dempster for when the game is on the line when he isn't the team's best reliever. Period. I do, unfortunately, feel that the DBacks are the only team the Cubs have the edge on out of the 8, but Cubs in 5 is the best prediction for this one, IMO.
D'Backs in 3. After watching the Cubs against the Marlins, (at Wrigley South). The Marlins announcers made a comment that you would NEVER hear on WGN, " This Cubs team really struggles outside the NL Central". Truer words have never been spoken!!
samie, shut up...comparing Phx to SoCal?.....Phoenix to Chicago?...shut up...night life in Phoenix?...lmao.....oh, and don't forget...shut up...
Me... 20 years...both places...you...you obviously work for the AZ board of travel and tourism
Funny, everyone I know who lives there would move back in a heartbeat if it was feasible...due to low wages, no culture, no camaraderie, lots o mormons, no affinity for the arts/entertainment (nobody but Alice Cooper likes to play AZ), your food sucks, can't drink the water....and a summer that lasts from April thru October....Remember what a breeze feels like?...
Cubs in 4....
and shut up..
Let's all take English 101 from.......Culzie?!?!?!?
Typical cubs lost 3-1 ! Cubs out managed & out played by Dbacks. All the money thrown at Soriano & he went 0 for 5! If cubs lose series,Hendry should be fired! No way cubs should lose first round series with that payroll.Dbacks aren't that good either.Only one game played ,but you can't afford to gift wrap games in short series courtesy of Lou's dumb managing.
Why do you keep posting the wrong comment under my name ROMAN?!
Roman responds: Why are you one of the few who doesn't get that the name appears under the post SMOORE?!
Hey Jewels...good Post. Cubs are very much like Boston in that respect. Bartman really wasn't the fan that interfered, but he got the blame. But in the end, pitching and defense did the Cubs in. Just like it helped the Sox win in 05. And how about doing some hitting of your own? Especially in your own house. That is what was trully wrong with the Whitesox this year and that 98 Cubs team. Cubs want it...they have to bring it home and lay all those excuses to rest. Nobody had more excuses than BOSTON.
Roman, I have the your/you/you're problem also! Don't write for a living though. Its a typing thing. I also have a Roman/Romans thing. Its one of my favorite books in the bible. Its cool to have friends that can give it and take it.
Hitman - loved your post (hilarious) but Samie is right. Diamondbacks should push the series to 5 games.
Jewels, couldn't back off that English advice huh? LOL! You know Culzie is going to come back strong! I hear Rocky music...
for you "Hitman" You need to read and digest before going on rant. By the way. As a retired military officer, I've lived and been all over the world. I've lived in San Diego, LA, and Honolulu. So, I don't really need a geography lesson, even from you Mr. "Hitman". But I thank you anyway.
FYI- I was comparing fans in warm weather (AZ and SOCAL because I've lived in both areas)cities versus Chicago where, quite frankly, there isn't much to for sixth months out of the year. I was actuially responding to a Cub fan who made some rather ignorant statements. You really need to know this before going off.
Oh, by the way, try the SCOTTSDALE nightlife. That's were the beautiful and famous people hang-out. It's much better than Phoenix.
GO DIAMONDBACKS!!
English is dead....I call it Americenglish...its a hybrid...but im still working out the kinks...
May 30th:
Just moved to Arizona...Now this is a state that knows how to live!! Beautiful sunny days and warm balmy evenings. What a place! Watched the sunset from a park lying on a blanket. It was beautiful. I've finally found my home. I love it here.
June 14th:
Really heating up. Got to 100 today. Not a problem. Live in an air-conditioned home, drive an air-conditioned car. What a pleasure to see the sun everyday like this. I'm turning into a sun worshipper.
June 30th:
Had the backyard landscaped with western plants today. Lots of cactus and rocks. What a breeze to maintain. No more mowing lawn for me. Another scorcher today, but I love it here.
July 10th:
The temperature hasn't been below 100 all week. How do people get used To this kind of heat? At least it's kind of windy though. But getting used to the heat is taking longer that I expected.
July 15th:
Fell asleep by the pool. (Got 3rd degree burns over 60% of my body). missed 3 days of work. What a dumb thing to do. I learned my lesson though. Got to respect the ol' sun in a climate like this.
July 20th:
I missed Morgan (our cat) sneaking into the car when I left this morning. By the time I got to the hot car for lunch, Morgan had died and swollen up to the size of a shopping bag and stank up the $2,000 leather upholstery. I told the kids that she ran away. The car now smells like Kibbles and sh**s. I learned my lesson though. No more pets in this heat.
July 25th:
The wind sucks. It feels like a giant freaking blow dryer!! And it's hot as Hell. The home air-conditioner is on the fritz and the AC repairman charged $200 just to drive by and tell me he needed to order parts!!!
July 30th:
Been sleeping outside by the pool for 3 nights now. $1,500 in d*** house payments and we can't even go inside. Why did I ever come here?
Aug. 4th:
It's 115 degrees. Finally got the air-conditioner fixed today. It cost $500 and gets the temperature down to 85. Stupid repairman urinated in my pool. I hate this stupid state.
Aug. 8th:
If another wise azz cracks, "Hot enough for you today?", I'm going to strangle him. Damn heat. By the time I get to work the radiator is boiling over, my clothes are soaking wet, and I smell like baked cat!!
Aug. 9th:
Tried to run some errands after work. Wore shorts, and sat on the black leather seats in the ol' car. I thought my a** was on fire. I lost
2 layers of flesh and all the hair on the back of my legs and back. Now my car smells like burnt hair, fried a** and baked cat.
Aug. 10th:
The weather report might as well be a damn recording. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. Hot and sunny. It's been too hot to do crap for 2 damn months and the weatherman says it might really warm up next week. Doesn't it ever rain in this damn desert?? Water rationing will be next, so might $1700 worth of cactus just dry up and blow into the damn pool. Even the cactus can't live in this d*** heat.
Aug. 14th:
Welcome to HELL!!! Temperature got to 118 today. Forgot to crack the Window and blew the damn windshield out of the car. The installer came to fix it and said, "Hot enough for you today? "
Aug 15th
My wife had to spend the $1500 house payment to bail me out of jail. Freaking Arizona. What kind of a sick demented idiot would want to live here??
Aug 30th
Worst day of the damn summer. I'm not leaving the house. The ferking monsoon rains finally came and all they did is make it muggier than hell. The Mercedes is now floating somewhere in Mexico with its new $1400 windshield - nobody told me about staying out of the washes during a "flash flood" warning. That does it, we're moving back to Chicago and buying a house next to the freeway for some peace and quiet.
Culzie that was classic!!!! I have learned a lot from that post! Everyone gets his share of bad news! Maaan what did you do to get locked up? You didn't hit that installer? This is good stuff!
Sounds pleasant, Culzie. You should come back to Chicago - it should be 30-below by next week.
samie, I lived in Scottsdale for 15 years.....been there, done that....but I'm gonna have to agree with you....I am kinda pretty....but I still missed the city...
When people like you in Chicago...they buy your drinks and everything else you could possibly want.....In Scottsdale, they gawk, point...and try to find a flaw....
and San Diego? If you're not gay (I do love the Crest, tho).. or old....or military...BOOOOR-ING!!!....I prefer LA or Hollywood...I was kinda pretty there, too
Culzie...that was border line epic....the courthouse is right next to the Dodge Theater when your big day comes
and Go Cubs!!!
its an old joke...
funny huh?
If you like that hit man, you should google
"Cash McMogulson+Scottsdale"
YOU WILL CRY YOUR EYES OUT WITH LAUGHTER
Bculz,
That was legendary, man I wanted to move to a hot place, but I know I would do every dumb thing that person did and then some, I hate the heat when it's over 95, so I would probably kill someone in the summer. Whoever had that type of summer is now my new hero.
hitman, you obviously havent been to az for awhile, and although it is unbearably hot some people choose to live there- and they're all laughing at you from november to may. By the way, those 'morons' down there with 'no camaraderie or affinity for the arts' just swept your cubs. So hitman, time for you to 'shut up'
5th Street Gallerys.
Old Town Art District
I heaR YA benW
im hear year round, and i love it. You can only hit the pool when its over 100.