Can the Cubs Make the Playoffs Without Wood and Prior?

[SquirminHerman Wedemeyer]

I think probably not, unless Marshall and (later) Guzman just go nuts this year.

 

But for all the talk about not counting on our chronically injured aces, a lot of the mindset seems to be, keep it close 'til Kerry and Mark return.

 

So, what happens if they can't come back strong? Or if only one of them does? Most importantly, is this team prepared to win without them?

 

Thoughts?

[Derwood]

Probably not, but the team has to take the mental approach that they can. They should be looking at the team and saying "this is what we've got, let's go get them." If they take that approach, they should do well. If they sit around and say "well if only we can hang in there, maybe 4 or 5 games back until Wood and Prior return" they are doomed to fail. That is a poor attitude that doesn't ask players to strive for their best, plus it puts undue pressure on Wood and Prior to be the heroes when they return. They should just play to win, and when Wood, Prior and/or Miller return, treat it like Hendry just landed them a sweet arm in a trade.

[Blueheart05]

They won't have to because I expect Wood and Prior to return (no to mention Miller's Cubs debut). Realistically, this team isn't going anywhere this season without at least two of those three pitching at the top of their game. I think relying on rookies to come through in pressure situations is asking too much.

[SquirminHerman Wedemeyer]

They won't have to because I expect Wood and Prior to return (no to mention Miller's Cubs debut). Realistically, this team isn't going anywhere this season without at least two of those three pitching at the top of their game. I think relying on rookies to come through in pressure situations is asking too much.

 

Oh, I fully expect them to return as well. I guess I'm just getting sick of the overall reliance on them. First, with my own annually dashed hopes, and second, the crumbling of the team when they see that the saviors aren't at full strength and/or have lasting injury effects.

 

I kind of wish they'd both have extended stays in Iowa until they can be fully counted on.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

No, we won't make the playoffs w/o Prior and Wood. However, it looks like Wood will be back in a couple weeks and Prior a few weeks later (and Miller after that). Reinforcements will arrive and the guys in the rotation are doing enough to win (especially Maddux). Z will kick into gear soon.

[badgercub]

No, we won't make the playoffs w/o Prior and Wood. However, it looks like Wood will be back in a couple weeks and Prior a few weeks later (and Miller after that). Reinforcements will arrive and the guys in the rotation are doing enough to win (especially Maddux). Z will kick into gear soon.

 

Unless we miraculously sign Roger Clemens or something like that.

[YearofDaCubs]

I personally don't think so. I have been impressed with the way we have been playing this year, but I do believe without Prior and Wood we won't go too far.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I believe we can make the playoffs without one, but not without both.

 

This also depends on what kind of season Maddux has. To this point, he's been masterful.

 

I still think Zambrano will return to form, and I believe that Williams can be an effective 4-5 starter.

 

With either Wood or Prior (or a combination of both to make the equivalent of one healthy, productive starter), we could have a rotation of Zambrano, Maddux, Wood/Prior, Williams, and Marshall. I think that rotation could (though it might be a struggle) get us to the playoffs.

 

I think if all three of Wood, Prior, and Miller come back and pitch to their 3-yr averages, we will be very good.

[hardcorecubfan]

Probably not, but the team has to take the mental approach that they can. They should be looking at the team and saying "this is what we've got, let's go get them." If they take that approach, they should do well. If they sit around and say "well if only we can hang in there, maybe 4 or 5 games back until Wood and Prior return" they are doomed to fail. That is a poor attitude that doesn't ask players to strive for their best, plus it puts undue pressure on Wood and Prior to be the heroes when they return. They should just play to win, and when Wood, Prior and/or Miller return, treat it like Hendry just landed them a sweet arm in a trade.

 

Holy cow, here is a shock for both of us..I completely agree with your assessment.

[LoneStarCubFan]

Yes they can but it would be a short stay without them.

 

If properly used, this bullpen will hide enough rotation problems to win what is a division full of flawed teams.

[ltb]

not a chance

[Roast]

Can they get there without them but only if one of the following happen:

 

1. Maddux continues to be a 40-year old stud, Marshall continues to succeed, Guzman replaces Rusch and suceeds/Rusch can put up a sub 4 era, and the offense stays hot.

 

or

 

 

2. We somehow keep our heads in the race untill the deadline and trade for a Good starter.

[Big Z 38]

We hang around until they return, keep doing what we've been doing, we should be in. And if they're healthy come October, we'll be armed and dangerous, as the time missed to injuries will mean the arms are fresher.

[rjchapma]

Prior is the one that I think will make the bigger difference. If he comes back we got a chance. If he is hurt all year were in trouble.

[Derwood]

We hang around until they return, keep doing what we've been doing, we should be in. And if they're healthy come October, we'll be armed and dangerous, as the time missed to injuries will mean the arms are fresher.

 

wrong. "Hanging around" won't cut it. The Cubs need to take the lead and keep it and not worry about whether or not they come back

[soccer10k]

Prior is the one that I think will make the bigger difference. If he comes back we got a chance. If he is hurt all year were in trouble.

 

Agreed. If Prior comes back and pitches the rest of the year I think we'll have a good shot. Obviously if all three (Prior/Wood/Miller) come back healthy we'll have a great shot. But if Prior can return to his 2003 form, that will help immensely.