Lou: Dempster to start game 1

[ChiCubsfan0502]

Hard to disagree with this.

 

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080924&content_id=3540258&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

 

 

"I've got confidence in all of them," Piniella said of his starters. "You look at Dempster's home record of 14-3 and that speaks volumes. He's pitched well all year. Basically, that tells you that we'll have an announcement in a few days."

 

There was a long pause in that last sentence. Piniella most likely has made his decision.

[cubsfan26]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

[JimSorgi]

He's earned it, but I don't like Lou's reasoning.

[Little Slide Rooter]

Ive been thinking about this for a bit, but did the beginning of Bad Z come after that 130some pitch game, and then Lou pulled him early the next start just to "shorten him up"? It seems like that was about the time of his decline.

[Peoriaman]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Yup, it is pretty obvious that this is the best play-off rotation.

[mikeyt34]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Zambrano has been one of the best road pitchers in the league over the last few years...This rotation makes the most sense. I've seen some people who think the Cubs should go with a 3 man rotation, but in doing so, Dempster would have to come back on short rest for game 4 on the road. I have confidence in Lilly to do a good job, and if necessary, come back with a rested Dempster in game 5 at Wrigley.

[CubinNY]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Zambrano has been one of the best road pitchers in the league over the last few years...This rotation makes the most sense. I've seen some people who think the Cubs should go with a 3 man rotation, but in doing so, Dempster would have to come back on short rest for game 4 on the road. I have confidence in Lilly to do a good job, and if necessary, come back with a rested Dempster in game 5 at Wrigley.

 

I predict a Cubs sweep unless they play the Phillies in round one. Then it will go 4. Cole Hamels generally treats the Cubs like play things.

 

A three man rotation might do it in round one.

[UMFan83]

I like the idea of Demp pitching games 1 and 5 and Harden pitching game 2.

 

This way, if Dempster struggles and only goes like 5 in a potential game 5 you can have Harden come in and let it all go for 2-3 innings.

[Old Style]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

If this is the rotation, I predict that Lilly won't make an appearance in the NLDS.

[erik316wttn]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

If this is the rotation, I predict that Lilly won't make an appearance in the NLDS.

 

He can start game 2 in the NLCS, then.

[Fro]

Makes the most sense, Z has been up and down and Harden has pitched great but he might just get you 5 innings.

 

Gives you options for a potential game 5 as well.

[SouthSideRyan]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Yup, it is pretty obvious that this is the best play-off rotation.

 

Harden/Dempster/Z/Lilly is better.

[ZonkisKing]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Zambrano has been one of the best road pitchers in the league over the last few years...This rotation makes the most sense. I've seen some people who think the Cubs should go with a 3 man rotation, but in doing so, Dempster would have to come back on short rest for game 4 on the road. I have confidence in Lilly to do a good job, and if necessary, come back with a rested Dempster in game 5 at Wrigley.

 

I have confidence in Ted Lilly as well. Since the start of June He is 7-2 with 3 no decisions and a 3.07 ERA on the road. The Cubs won one of the no decisions and he gave up only two runs in each of the other two. At first, I wanted the "weak link" to pitch game two at Wrigley. Throw in a lefty to split up the righties, and he figures to get more offensive support at home. However, I like keeping Harden on about six days rest and Lilly has pitched well on the road.

[Jaysus1975]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

If this is the rotation, I predict that Lilly won't make an appearance in the NLDS.

 

Man, I hope that is what happens

[Wheelimus]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Yup, it is pretty obvious that this is the best play-off rotation.

 

Harden/Dempster/Z/Lilly is better.

 

I'd rather Dempster go first. There's a much better chance of him going 7+ than with Harden. I'd prefer Harden for game two knowing we might need a number of bullpen options. Then at least you have an off day so we don't worry about anyone not being 100% in Game 3.

 

Doesn't really matter though. Lets get this going and Go Cubs Go!

[David]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

If this is the rotation, I predict that Lilly won't make an appearance in the NLDS.

 

Man, I hope that is what happens

 

Could be a bad thing too.

[cubsfan26]

FWIW Since April 22nd, Lilly is 16-6, with a 3.65 era, 166 SO, 56 BB in 29 starts(180 IP).

[splintersag]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

 

Yup, it is pretty obvious that this is the best play-off rotation.

I agree as well. Zambrano's been shaky and Harden may only go 5 innings, so Dempster is the smart choice to start twice. If everything goes right, we can expect 7 IP, 2 R for each start or so.

 

Plus, as mentioned before, if Demp struggles in a potential game 5, we'll have someone [Harden] to go all out for a couple innings.

[SouthSideRyan]

Why might Harden only go 5 innings?

 

Dempster's averaging ~6 1/3 innings per start. Harden is averaging ~6 innings per start. I'll take the vastly superior pitcher and sacrifice the one extra out.

[mul21]

I'd go Dempster game 1, Harden game 2, Zambrano game 3 and Lilly game 4.

If this is the rotation, I predict that Lilly won't make an appearance in the NLDS.

 

Man, I hope that is what happens

 

Could be a bad thing too.

 

Blasphemer!!!! You shut your dirty mouth.

[CubinNY]

FWIW Since April 22nd, Lilly is 16-6, with a 3.65 era, 166 SO, 56 BB in 29 starts(180 IP).

Nice couple a first posts.

 

Welcome.

[Prior4CyYoung]

Harden/Dempster/Z/Lilly is better.

 

This would have been my prefered order as well but I can't really fault Lou for wanting to start Dempster in game 1.

[mikeyt34]

Lou's not hinting anymore. He just named Dempster game 1 starter in his pregame interview.

[anabiono]

Lou's not hinting anymore. He just named Dempster game 1 starter in his pregame interview.

 

does that mean it will be harden in game 2 then?

 

i really hope this works out

[mikeyt34]

Lou's not hinting anymore. He just named Dempster game 1 starter in his pregame interview.

 

does that mean it will be harden in game 2 then?

i really hope this works out

 

Lou didn't commit to games 2,3, or 4. He did say Dempster would pitch a game 5, meaning he's probably going to pitch Lilly in one of the middle games.