9/25 Cubs (Lilly) @ Marlins (Willis) 6:05 PM CDT WCIU/720

[Soul]

Just.......play like we've been playing. Overall I've been pretty happy with our team play these past couple weeks. Just keep doing what you're doing. We've built a 3 game lead for a reason -- we're playing the best baseball in the division at the right time.

[C.C.]

I'd rather be in our position then theirs...

[anabiono]

what a long, strange trip its been...

 

get back truckin' on!!!

 

i can't even describe how incredibly pumped up i am right now

 

this is absolutely surreal

[anabiono]

Just.......play like we've been playing. Overall I've been pretty happy with our team play these past couple weeks. Just keep doing what you're doing. We've built a 3 game lead for a reason -- we're playing the best baseball in the division at the right time.

 

i have been quietly praying that they would do this all season long...click at the right time...

 

it is so intense, it is dreamlike in all actuality..

[BigbadB]

Is it game time yet?

 

Just win baby, Just Win.

 

hehe. I came here to see the line up card, knowing it will be several more hours before they are posted.

[C.C.]

It's probably be the same lineup we saw in the Pitt series.

 

Sori

Derosa

DLEE

RAM

Murton

Soto

Monroe

Theriot

 

Something like this...

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Kendall has had some success against Willis, so it wouldn't surprise me if he were starting tonight.

[kujay]

It's probably be the same lineup we saw in the Pitt series.

 

Sori

Derosa

DLEE

RAM

Murton

Soto

Monroe

Theriot

 

Something like this...

 

Sounds good to me, except for the part about Monroe. Though I saw someone said this in another thread: isn't that dude about due for a 5-5, 3HR game or something? There has to be some return to his statistical norm soon. Doesn't there?

 

In other news, I will be missing most of this one on account of a "business dinner." Leave it to me to grouse about getting a free dinner. :) But I'd much rather be parked in front of the tube.

[Soul]

It's probably be the same lineup we saw in the Pitt series.

 

Sori

Derosa

DLEE

RAM

Murton

Soto

Monroe

Theriot

 

Something like this...

 

Sounds good to me, except for the part about Monroe. Though I saw someone said this in another thread: isn't that dude about due for a 5-5, 3HR game or something? There has to be some return to his statistical norm soon. Doesn't there?

 

In other news, I will be missing most of this one on account of a "business dinner." Leave it to me to grouse about getting a free dinner. :) But I'd much rather be parked in front of the tube.

 

I think we'll get something from Monroe before it's over, maybe tonight if he plays.

 

Overall that lineup should be good. These guys have actually been hitting lefties pretty good recently, and Dontrelle does not qualify as a "good" lefty this season. He's certainly nowhere near Gorzelanny who we just plastered.

 

We've faced so many lefties I don't think it's an advantage for the opposition anymore. The recent history supports that notion.

[C.C.]

It's probably be the same lineup we saw in the Pitt series.

 

Sori

Derosa

DLEE

RAM

Murton

Soto

Monroe

Theriot

 

Something like this...

 

Sounds good to me, except for the part about Monroe. Though I saw someone said this in another thread: isn't that dude about due for a 5-5, 3HR game or something? There has to be some return to his statistical norm soon. Doesn't there?

 

In other news, I will be missing most of this one on account of a "business dinner." Leave it to me to grouse about getting a free dinner. :) But I'd much rather be parked in front of the tube.

 

I think we'll get something from Monroe before it's over, maybe tonight if he plays.

 

Overall that lineup should be good. These guys have actually been hitting lefties pretty good recently, and Dontrelle does not qualify as a "good" lefty this season. He's certainly nowhere near Gorzelanny who we just plastered.

 

We've faced so many lefties I don't think it's an advantage for the opposition anymore. The recent history supports that notion.

 

I actually would perfer to face lefties. We seem to have fixed whatever problems we had with them.

[CubinNY]

It's probably be the same lineup we saw in the Pitt series.

 

Sori

Derosa

DLEE

RAM

Murton

Soto

Monroe

Theriot

 

Something like this...

 

Sounds good to me, except for the part about Monroe. Though I saw someone said this in another thread: isn't that dude about due for a 5-5, 3HR game or something? There has to be some return to his statistical norm soon. Doesn't there?

 

In other news, I will be missing most of this one on account of a "business dinner." Leave it to me to grouse about getting a free dinner. :) But I'd much rather be parked in front of the tube.

 

I think we'll get something from Monroe before it's over, maybe tonight if he plays.

 

Overall that lineup should be good. These guys have actually been hitting lefties pretty good recently, and Dontrelle does not qualify as a "good" lefty this season. He's certainly nowhere near Gorzelanny who we just plastered.

 

We've faced so many lefties I don't think it's an advantage for the opposition anymore. The recent history supports that notion.

 

I actually would perfer to face lefties. We seem to have fixed whatever problems we had with them.

To be successful tonight the Cubs will have to lay off the breaking balls and look fastball. Dontrell has been a six inning pitcher all year. The Marlins are dead last in WHIP this year and next to last in k/BB.

[Soul]

It's probably be the same lineup we saw in the Pitt series.

 

Sori

Derosa

DLEE

RAM

Murton

Soto

Monroe

Theriot

 

Something like this...

 

 

Sounds good to me, except for the part about Monroe. Though I saw someone said this in another thread: isn't that dude about due for a 5-5, 3HR game or something? There has to be some return to his statistical norm soon. Doesn't there?

 

In other news, I will be missing most of this one on account of a "business dinner." Leave it to me to grouse about getting a free dinner. :) But I'd much rather be parked in front of the tube.

 

I think we'll get something from Monroe before it's over, maybe tonight if he plays.

 

Overall that lineup should be good. These guys have actually been hitting lefties pretty good recently, and Dontrelle does not qualify as a "good" lefty this season. He's certainly nowhere near Gorzelanny who we just plastered.

 

We've faced so many lefties I don't think it's an advantage for the opposition anymore. The recent history supports that notion.

 

I actually would perfer to face lefties. We seem to have fixed whatever problems we had with them.

To be successful tonight the Cubs will have to lay off the breaking balls and look fastball. Dontrell has been a six inning pitcher all year. The Marlins are dead last in WHIP this year and next to last in k/BB.

 

He can have his 6 innings, as long as we get our runs off of him and Lilly pitches well.

 

That sky-high WHIP should be a clue to the Cubs to be selective at the plate, as you say. He'll get himself into trouble if we just let him.

 

Give Dontrelle plenty of rope.

[gflore34]

I'm actually worried that there might be a huge letdown without the Wrigley atmosphere. We'll see how it goes.

 

Almost all the fans this final week will be Cub fans. Won't be Wrigley, but it will be "Wrigley South"

 

Plus, I think we need to remember the Marlins have the worst home record in the majors. It's not like they've had a home field advantage at all this year.

 

There's no logical reason the Cubs should blow this thing. None. Only one thing will do that now: looking over our shoulder, worrying about a team that is desperate for us to worry about them when we don't need to.

 

That's the only thing that will stop us. Essentially, ourselves.

 

I know its almost impossible to gauge a teams MO from the way they look but, if their approach to the last three games is any indication. I believe the Cubs have stopped caring a rodent' behind about whether the Brewers are winning or not. They know its there to grab and nothing can keep them from it - Len mentioned that the Pirates could see it in Cubs. Look what they did to Gorzelany - he had a snowball' chance in hell of winning - I believe the they're going to knock the snot of Florida. Sure, the Brewers losing would ease my mind but, I don't think its going to matter.

[andrew9991]

As of right now, Zambrano and Lilly are scheduled to pitch the last two regular season games of the year. If the Cubs somehow clinch before then, do you think they will sit both Z and Lilly to give them some extra rest?

[bukie]

As of right now, Zambrano and Lilly are scheduled to pitch the last two regular season games of the year. If the Cubs somehow clinch before then, do you think the Cubs will sit both Z and Lilly to give them some extra rest?

 

Absolutely.

[CubColtPacer]

As of right now, Zambrano and Lilly are scheduled to pitch the last two regular season games of the year. If the Cubs somehow clinch before then, do you think they will sit both Z and Lilly to give them some extra rest?

 

Yes. If the Cubs clinch, both Z and Lilly will sit. If they somehow clinch before Friday (which I see as possible but not likely) then my guess is that they will likely still give Rich Hill his start so he isn't waiting too long before his start in the playoffs.

 

Personally, I'd probably pitch Z on Friday even if the Cubs clinch and give Hill and Lilly time off. I want Z on as close to regular rest as possible so he doesn't come out too strong, and Hill has thrown a lot of innings for what he's used to this year so he could use the break.

[David]

http://reds.enquirer.com/2003/10/12/nlcs_zoom.jpg

 

I expect to see plenty of this tonight.

 

 

EDIT - This was the exact moment I was 'sold' on Aramis Ramirez, btw.

Edited September 25, 2007 by David

[apete6]

As of right now, Zambrano and Lilly are scheduled to pitch the last two regular season games of the year. If the Cubs somehow clinch before then, do you think they will sit both Z and Lilly to give them some extra rest?

 

Yes. If the Cubs clinch, both Z and Lilly will sit. If they somehow clinch before Friday (which I see as possible but not likely) then my guess is that they will likely still give Rich Hill his start so he isn't waiting too long before his start in the playoffs.

 

Personally, I'd probably pitch Z on Friday even if the Cubs clinch and give Hill and Lilly time off. I want Z on as close to regular rest as possible so he doesn't come out too strong, and Hill has thrown a lot of innings for what he's used to this year so he could use the break.

 

I think that if they clinch on Friday, Zambrano would still pitch on Saturday. Lilly will be your game 1 starter (Wednesday the 3rd) and then Zambrano with regular rest for game 2 (Thursday the 4th). Although another bad Zambrano start would raise some question marks about the rotation going into the postseason. I would still roll the dice, though. Zambrano on 8 days of rest=not good.

[Soul]

I'm actually worried that there might be a huge letdown without the Wrigley atmosphere. We'll see how it goes.

 

Almost all the fans this final week will be Cub fans. Won't be Wrigley, but it will be "Wrigley South"

 

Plus, I think we need to remember the Marlins have the worst home record in the majors. It's not like they've had a home field advantage at all this year.

 

There's no logical reason the Cubs should blow this thing. None. Only one thing will do that now: looking over our shoulder, worrying about a team that is desperate for us to worry about them when we don't need to.

 

That's the only thing that will stop us. Essentially, ourselves.

 

I know its almost impossible to gauge a teams MO from the way they look but, if their approach to the last three games is any indication. I believe the Cubs have stopped caring a rodent' behind about whether the Brewers are winning or not. They know its there to grab and nothing can keep them from it - Len mentioned that the Pirates could see it in Cubs. Look what they did to Gorzelany - he had a snowball' chance in hell of winning - I believe the they're going to knock the snot of Florida. Sure, the Brewers losing would ease my mind but, I don't think its going to matter.

 

I agree, I don't sense the Cubs care at all what the Crew does now. Lou doesn't give me the impression he's worried one bit. There are a ton of veterans on this ballclub, almost all of whom have begun to click in the face of a tight divisional race. They've already faced down this team multiple times. With a 3-game lead and facing a young Marlins squad with little to play for? I think they're ready to play good baseball.

 

I could be wrong, but I just don't see how we collapse in '07. This doesn't feel like a repeat of '04 to me, not at all.

[Sammy Sofa]

Alright, the bats are alive and they just pounded the hell out of 3 lefties for a sweep...no excuse to not continue the same tonight. Same lineup, please.

[CubmanPi]

 

I expect to see plenty of this tonight.

 

 

EDIT - This was the exact moment I was 'sold' on Aramis Ramirez, btw.

The most excited I've ever been as a Cubs fan. I'm definitely down for some recreation on their part.

[Guest]

So...is this game going to get rained out? Because that would suck.

 

here is what i am thinking...i live in clearwater, florida

 

it has been raining here for about the past 5 days...usually during the day and then it is just sporadic and short at night time...

 

i think it will rain there today, but will be ok by gametime or shortly thereafter...

 

it is going to wet this whole series...so...they are going to have to try to get them in because it will be pretty hard to get a DH in tomorrow with the daytime rains...

 

just my thoughts on the matter...i am going tonight because the forecast calls for 90% during the day but that drops to 50% by the evening...and if it does rain at all tonight it will probably just be short bursts...

 

Ahh, so usual Florida storms. That's good if it's a night game. Don't want a SP's outing cut short because of a delay.

[circlecitycub]

http://reds.enquirer.com/2003/10/12/nlcs_zoom.jpg

 

I expect to see plenty of this tonight.

 

 

EDIT - This was the exact moment I was 'sold' on Aramis Ramirez, btw.

 

Was that the grand slam in the NLCS?

[SouthSideRyan]

As of right now, Zambrano and Lilly are scheduled to pitch the last two regular season games of the year. If the Cubs somehow clinch before then, do you think they will sit both Z and Lilly to give them some extra rest?

 

Yes. If the Cubs clinch, both Z and Lilly will sit. If they somehow clinch before Friday (which I see as possible but not likely) then my guess is that they will likely still give Rich Hill his start so he isn't waiting too long before his start in the playoffs.

 

Personally, I'd probably pitch Z on Friday even if the Cubs clinch and give Hill and Lilly time off. I want Z on as close to regular rest as possible so he doesn't come out too strong, and Hill has thrown a lot of innings for what he's used to this year so he could use the break.

 

I think that if they clinch on Friday, Zambrano would still pitch on Saturday. Lilly will be your game 1 starter (Wednesday the 3rd) and then Zambrano with regular rest for game 2 (Thursday the 4th). Although another bad Zambrano start would raise some question marks about the rotation going into the postseason. I would still roll the dice, though. Zambrano on 8 days of rest=not good.

 

Nah, I think hell or highwater, Z is the #1 guy for the team. If they can rest Z Saturday, they will. Hill will pitch Friday regardless of a miracle clinch by then.

[David]

http://reds.enquirer.com/2003/10/12/nlcs_zoom.jpg

 

I expect to see plenty of this tonight.

 

 

EDIT - This was the exact moment I was 'sold' on Aramis Ramirez, btw.

 

Was that the grand slam in the NLCS?

 

Yep. The very same one. The one that towered over the foul pole.