Discuss NLDS vs. Dusty Baker's Nationals

[Sammy Sofa]

Also: the Cubs need to win game 1 because I am going to game 2, and I am not confident my 2 year in-person streak of the Cubs going 0-8 can be overcome.

 

Ever been to Nationals park before? It's the least interesting stadium ever built. Somehow you're always facing the sun no matter where you sit.

 

Many times; good food and beer selections, and that's about it. Figured out very early on that if you're not sitting down just past 3B you're getting sun-blasted. The whole RF/1B side of the stadium is basically hell when the sun is out.

[cl smooth]

I was selected to purchase tickets for game 3 and/or 4 tomorrow at 12pm ET. Game 3 is my birthday and I'll be in Chicago. Hoping for some good seats!

[imb]

They have played half their games against the Mets, Phillies, Braves and Marlins. They are not nearly as good as they seem to be.

 

and we have played ...

[David]

They have played half their games against the Mets, Phillies, Braves and Marlins. They are not nearly as good as they seem to be.

 

and we have played ...

 

same thought i had lol

[biittner77]

They have played half their games against the Mets, Phillies, Braves and Marlins. They are not nearly as good as they seem to be.

 

and we have played ...

 

same thought i had lol

 

The Brewers and the team from St. Louis are better than the Marlins and whoever the next best team in the East is.

[Sammy Sofa]

"Better."

[UMFan83]

 

and we have played ...

 

same thought i had lol

 

The Brewers and the team from St. Louis are better than the Marlins and whoever the next best team in the East is.

 

yes there are no vaunted teams in the NL East

[Transmogrified Tiger]

The Cubs will play 70 games against teams with winning records this year. The Nationals will play 42. They still beat the good teams so it's not like they're some paper tiger, but it's worth a thought in the back of the mind when you consider the 6 wins that currently separate them in the standings.

[Brian]

if we knock them out at the NLDS stage is Dusty's job in jeopardy? I really fear the Nationals getting a manager that Harper likes before he hits free agency.

[David]

The Cubs will play 70 games against teams with winning records this year. The Nationals will play 42. They still beat the good teams so it's not like they're some paper tiger, but it's worth a thought in the back of the mind when you consider the 6 wins that currently separate them in the standings.

 

what are the actual winning percentages without the potentially misleading "winning records" designation?

 

either way, i don't think it's worth a thought about anything and a silly thing to bring up to try to diminish the quality of our opponent. it's a 5 game playoff series. let's see what happens.

[Old Style]

Any guesses on the Cubs rotation?

[biittner77]

Any guesses on the Cubs rotation?

 

Would they go Arrieta, Quintana, Lester then Hendricks? That's what the ESPN guys were saying during the telecast last night.

[Cubswin11]

Any guesses on the Cubs rotation?

 

Would they go Arrieta, Quintana, Lester then Hendricks? That's what the ESPN guys were saying during the telecast last night.

I would almost guarantee that isn’t it. Barring some weird injury I would almost guarantee Hendricks and Q are locks to start one of the first 3 games and Arrieta/Lester are what they need to determine for one of the first 3 and game 4.

[David]

Any guesses on the Cubs rotation?

 

Would they go Arrieta, Quintana, Lester then Hendricks? That's what the ESPN guys were saying during the telecast last night.

 

i would be very pissed if we were to lose a playoff series without hendricks getting to take the mound

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Hope: Hendricks, Q, Arrieta, Lester

 

Fear: Lester, Arrieta, Q, Hendricks

[Cubswin11]

I think Lackey is going to make the roster, I could see Jake being held for game 4 to see how his hamstring is. If he/they don’t feel it’s in a great spot I could see Lackey getting that start too.

[Old Style]

Any guesses on the Cubs rotation?

 

Would they go Arrieta, Quintana, Lester then Hendricks? That's what the ESPN guys were saying during the telecast last night.

This ESPN.com article suggests Hendricks, Arrieta, Q, Lester.

 

How should Joe Maddon set up the Cubs' playoff rotation?

[Banedon]

Thanks TT, that's the kind of info I needed.

 

If anyone is wondering what Nats fans are saying about the Cubs, leave it to your resident 'Obsessed What Other Team's Fans Are Saying About The Cubs' poster:

 

http://www.wnff.net/index.php?topic=35740.0

 

Looks like someone registered there just to link back to us.

[jersey cubs fan]

I think Lackey is going to make the roster, I could see Jake being held for game 4 to see how his hamstring is. If he/they don’t feel it’s in a great spot I could see Lackey getting that start too.

 

Given how susceptible Lester and Arrieta are to disaster starts, and how capable this lineup is with comebacks, I think it would be a good move.

[David]

Hope: Hendricks, Q, Arrieta, Lester

 

Fear: Lester, Arrieta, Q, Hendricks

 

my thoughts exactly

[Cubswin11]

I think Lackey is going to make the roster, I could see Jake being held for game 4 to see how his hamstring is. If he/they don’t feel it’s in a great spot I could see Lackey getting that start too.

 

Given how susceptible Lester and Arrieta are to disaster starts, and how capable this lineup is with comebacks, I think it would be a good move.

I obviously prefer that not to happen but it would make sense and be smart to have Lackey make the roster and hold Jake or even Lester for game 4 to see where both are at health wise and at least have to option of not running out a pitcher that isn’t healthy/not feeling comfortable.

[UMFan83]

Any guesses on the Cubs rotation?

 

Would they go Arrieta, Quintana, Lester then Hendricks? That's what the ESPN guys were saying during the telecast last night.

This ESPN.com article suggests Hendricks, Arrieta, Q, Lester.

 

How should Joe Maddon set up the Cubs' playoff rotation?

 

I like that one. Hendricks has to be in your top 3. The only thing that bothers me about Arrieta 1st is that if his hammy flares up or he is ineffective because of it, then he's the only starter set up to pitch game 5 on normal rest. I would consider Q, Arrieta, Hendricks, Lester. I like Hendricks #2 over Jake, but I am assuming Jake won't pitch this Sunday, giving him 10 days rest between now and game 2...I don't think another 2 days helps him.

[Cubswin11]

There really isn’t much debate or decision in the playoff roster, it should be...

 

Pitchers (12):

Jake

Lester

Hendricks

Q

Lackey

Monty

Duensing

Wilson

Rondon

Strop

Carl

Wade

 

Position Players (13):

Contreras

Avila

Bryant

Russell

Baez

Rizzo

Zobrist

Jay

Schwarber

Happ

Almora

Heyward

LaStella

 

 

Only real debate would be if they want Grimm over Lastella for an extra pitcher or I guess Rivera or Martin over Lastella (doubtful). Or Martin over Almora if he’s hurt.

Edited September 28, 2017 by Cubswin11

[Transmogrified Tiger]

They only carried 11 pitchers for the NLDS last year, and especially given that Montgomery is a lock, I don't see much reason for that to change. You don't need 8 relievers when you've got a 5 game series that has 2 off days.

[Cubswin11]

They only carried 11 pitchers for the NLDS last year, and especially given that Montgomery is a lock, I don't see much reason for that to change. You don't need 8 relievers when you've got a 5 game series that has 2 off days.

So Martin or Rivera over Lackey? I would generally agree, but with Jake and Lester as question marks I could see going 12 with Lackey as a safety valve.