9/22 | Cubs (Quintana) @ Pirates (Brault) | 6:05pm | MARQ

[17 Seconds]

nice moves, theo

[17 Seconds]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

 

i would definitely not say the division is locked up

[soccer10k]

any time you lose a walk off game without using either of your two closers, you know you’ve really nailed it strategy wise

 

Well it worked so well for Cleveland against us last week so it’s understandable that Ross would do the same thing.

[Andy]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

I'm wondering how amused I should be that all 3 deadline acquisitions this year are going to be completely useless.

[Cubswin11]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

 

i would definitely not say the division is locked up

Unless you think we are going to lose out, and even then the Cardinals still need to win 5-6 of their final 9 games (Idk what the exact math is but that has to be close) it effectively is wrapped up. And with this playoff set up, now that we’re in to some degree, I’d rather they be trying some guys and different things out to maximize the playoff roster and decisions vs doing the right leverage moves to win games now.

[17 Seconds]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

 

i would definitely not say the division is locked up

Unless you think we are going to lose out, and even then the Cardinals still need to win 5-6 of their final 9 games (Idk what the exact math is but that has to be close) it effectively is wrapped up. And with this playoff set up, now that we’re in to some degree, I’d rather they be trying some guys and different things out to maximize the playoff roster and decisions vs doing the right leverage moves to win games now.

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

Edited September 23, 2020 by 17 Seconds

[Cubswin11]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

I'm wondering how amused I should be that all 3 deadline acquisitions this year are going to be completely useless.

Maybin has been good. And Osich has looked okay despite the results in extremely limited work, lots of Ks and FIP/xFIP in the 1s. I’ve always thought Chafin was just average to bad and that seems to be the case still. Martinez at least hit the ball hard tonight, with KB down I’d play him every day the rest of the way to see if he gets going and can maybe get something to click come playoffs.

[17 Seconds]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

I'm wondering how amused I should be that all 3 deadline acquisitions this year are going to be completely useless.

 

Maybin has been good. And Osich has looked okay despite the results in extremely limited work, lots of Ks and FIP/xFIP in the 1s. I’ve always thought Chafin was just average to bad and that seems to be the case still. Martinez at least hit the ball hard tonight, with KB down I’d play him every day the rest of the way to see if he gets going and can maybe get something to click come playoffs.

 

how has maybin been good?

[Ding Dong Johnson]

We have the luxury/margin to try some stuff out with the lead in the division/playoffs locked up. So I’m not too upset using Chafin there, they needed to get him some innings here to see if he can be a playoff option. He’s looked like horsefeathers, so hopefully he’s gone soon.

I'm wondering how amused I should be that all 3 deadline acquisitions this year are going to be completely useless.

Maybin has been good. And Osich has looked okay despite the results in extremely limited work, lots of Ks and FIP/xFIP in the 1s. I’ve always thought Chafin was just average to bad and that seems to be the case still. Martinez at least hit the ball hard tonight, with KB down I’d play him every day the rest of the way to see if he gets going and can maybe get something to click come playoffs.

Lol, what?

[Bertz]

 

i would definitely not say the division is locked up

Unless you think we are going to lose out, and even then the Cardinals still need to win 5-6 of their final 9 games (Idk what the exact math is but that has to be close) it effectively is wrapped up. And with this playoff set up, now that we’re in to some degree, I’d rather they be trying some guys and different things out to maximize the playoff roster and decisions vs doing the right leverage moves to win games now.

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

 

Based on what? He's been one of the better setup guys in the league the last few years.

[Cubswin11]

I'm wondering how amused I should be that all 3 deadline acquisitions this year are going to be completely useless.

 

Maybin has been good. And Osich has looked okay despite the results in extremely limited work, lots of Ks and FIP/xFIP in the 1s. I’ve always thought Chafin was just average to bad and that seems to be the case still. Martinez at least hit the ball hard tonight, with KB down I’d play him every day the rest of the way to see if he gets going and can maybe get something to click come playoffs.

 

how has maybin been good?

After tonight he’s at .260/.300/.350 or so with us. For what he was brought in for (backup OF/pinch hitter/Almora role) that’s “good.” He’s hit the ball hard in to some tough outs too.

[17 Seconds]

Unless you think we are going to lose out, and even then the Cardinals still need to win 5-6 of their final 9 games (Idk what the exact math is but that has to be close) it effectively is wrapped up. And with this playoff set up, now that we’re in to some degree, I’d rather they be trying some guys and different things out to maximize the playoff roster and decisions vs doing the right leverage moves to win games now.

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

 

Based on what? He's been one of the better setup guys in the league the last few years.

 

that's a bit generous. but it's not the last 2 years. he's been butt for both teams he's played for in 2020. i don't see what bringing him into a tie game is going to show you, even if he pitched a perfect inning.

[Cubswin11]

 

i would definitely not say the division is locked up

Unless you think we are going to lose out, and even then the Cardinals still need to win 5-6 of their final 9 games (Idk what the exact math is but that has to be close) it effectively is wrapped up. And with this playoff set up, now that we’re in to some degree, I’d rather they be trying some guys and different things out to maximize the playoff roster and decisions vs doing the right leverage moves to win games now.

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

Eh, I don’t really care about the last two years. That shouldn’t affect the planning for playoffs. The Cardinals still need to win at a decent clip to pass us and a 3.5 game lead at this point is essentially wrapped up. It’s over 90%. Chafin has been good in the past and he hasn’t sucked. He’s ran ERA/FIP/xFIP in the 3s the last few years with good K rates and hasn’t gotten torched vs RHB like some lefties. I have personal bias thinking he sucks and have never been a fan but he has gotten results. It was fine spot and time to use him, they have to get him 3-4 outings here over the final week to see if he’s worth rostering for the playoffs.

Edited September 23, 2020 by Cubswin11

[17 Seconds]

 

Maybin has been good. And Osich has looked okay despite the results in extremely limited work, lots of Ks and FIP/xFIP in the 1s. I’ve always thought Chafin was just average to bad and that seems to be the case still. Martinez at least hit the ball hard tonight, with KB down I’d play him every day the rest of the way to see if he gets going and can maybe get something to click come playoffs.

 

how has maybin been good?

After tonight he’s at .260/.300/.350 or so with us. For what he was brought in for (backup OF/pinch hitter/Almora role) that’s “good.” He’s hit the ball hard in to some tough outs too.

 

he was at 0.0 fwar going into today. there is no way you can justify calling his performance with the cubs good.

[17 Seconds]

Unless you think we are going to lose out, and even then the Cardinals still need to win 5-6 of their final 9 games (Idk what the exact math is but that has to be close) it effectively is wrapped up. And with this playoff set up, now that we’re in to some degree, I’d rather they be trying some guys and different things out to maximize the playoff roster and decisions vs doing the right leverage moves to win games now.

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

Eh, I don’t really care about the last two years. That shouldn’t affect the planning for playoffs. The Cardinals still need to win at a decent clip to pass us and a 3.5 game lead at this point is essentially wrapped up. It’s over 90%. Chafin has been good in the past and he hasn’t sucked. I have personal bias thinking he sucks but he has gotten results. But it was fine spot and time to use him, they have to get him 3-4 outings here over the final week to see if he’s worth rostering for the playoffs.

 

over 90% doesn't mean wrapped up. they should be going for wins right now.

[Bertz]

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

 

Based on what? He's been one of the better setup guys in the league the last few years.

 

that's a bit generous. but it's not the last 2 years. he's been butt for both teams he's played for in 2020. i don't see what bringing him into a tie game is going to show you, even if he pitched a perfect inning.

 

It's not, he's 40th in reliever WAR from 2017-2019. He's pitched 8.1 innings this year. And only one (scoreless) appearance for us. You're gonna weight that more than his 150 very good innings the last three years?

[Cubswin11]

 

how has maybin been good?

After tonight he’s at .260/.300/.350 or so with us. For what he was brought in for (backup OF/pinch hitter/Almora role) that’s “good.” He’s hit the ball hard in to some tough outs too.

 

he was at 0.0 fwar going into today. there is no way you can justify calling his performance with the cubs good.

For what he was brought in for and replacing he’s been “good” and basically has provided what was expected. Is what I meant. Like objectively and against the whole league he hasn’t been good, but what we could expect from him and all he needed to be better than he’s been “good” at.

[17 Seconds]

After tonight he’s at .260/.300/.350 or so with us. For what he was brought in for (backup OF/pinch hitter/Almora role) that’s “good.” He’s hit the ball hard in to some tough outs too.

 

he was at 0.0 fwar going into today. there is no way you can justify calling his performance with the cubs good.

For what he was brought in for and replacing he’s been “good” and basically has provided what was expected. Is what I meant. Like objectively and against the whole league he hasn’t been good, but what we could expect from him and all he needed to be better than he’s been “good” at.

 

he's a replacement player who has come in and performed at replacement level. saying he's been good is a weird stance.

[Cubswin11]

 

with the way they've finished the last 2 seasons, i'd rather they just try and close out the division before "trying stuff" and dicking around. i know there's no real advantage of winning the division in terms of the postseason, but it still means something. the odds are heavily in their favor, but 3.5 is not wrapped up, especially with all the games the cardinals have left.

 

plus we don't need to see chafin in a tie game to know he sucks

Eh, I don’t really care about the last two years. That shouldn’t affect the planning for playoffs. The Cardinals still need to win at a decent clip to pass us and a 3.5 game lead at this point is essentially wrapped up. It’s over 90%. Chafin has been good in the past and he hasn’t sucked. I have personal bias thinking he sucks but he has gotten results. But it was fine spot and time to use him, they have to get him 3-4 outings here over the final week to see if he’s worth rostering for the playoffs.

 

over 90% doesn't mean wrapped up. they should be going for wins right now.

90%+ is very close to being wrapped up and just because the ~2% moon shot happened 2 years ago doesn’t mean it’s any more likely to happen this year or should affect moves now. Not optimizing bullpen moves/lineups the rest of the way to get a dude a start, off day or appearance isn’t a huge deal as we need to sort some stuff out here heading in to the playoffs to figure out the best roster and use of guys to win games then.

 

Going for wins now means you wouldn’t be using Q, Adbert, Chafin, Adam, etc. down the stretch here but you’d be cool using them in the playoffs with little to no appearances now and not knowing how they look or if they even should be rostered?

 

With no off days in the playoffs, plus Wick down, we’re gonna have to dig deeper in the pen than usual. We need to shuffle through some of these guys over the last few games and get them a few outings to see what they have because they’re going to need to pitch some meaningful playoff innings most likely (and we have to figure out who absolutely can’t). We need to know which lefty of Ryan, Chafin, Osich is the “best” choice, we need to know if Q can be used in some capacity and looks normal, Adbert needs innings to see if he’s worthy of a playoff role, Rea probably needs to come back up soon too, to get an inning or three to see if he should be playoff rostered, etc.

 

With the luxury we have of a 3.5 game division lead AND a guaranteed playoff spot no matter what, along with the unique playoff set up/circumstance we are in of having a few moving parts with the pitching (and offense/lineup construction to a lesser degree, since there’s less options/potential solutions), these guys need to and should be getting some innings now. Especially some leverage spots that can be close to playoff like pressure.

[itisallpartoftheplan]

Maybin is better than Almora and Souza. Simple as that. So I’d say he’s been good.

[Cubswin11]

 

Probably as good as Alzolay has looked in the MLs

 

So the playoff pitching staff:

 

Darvish

Hendricks

Lester/Mills/Quintana?

 

Kimbrel

Adam

Jeffress

Alzolay

Tepera

Mills/Quintana/Lester

Winkler?

Underwood?

 

That seems good? No off days until the WS might push things, probably someone will get hurt, and a lefty showing up out of nowhere would be nice but otherwise can't imagine other teams are doing so much better

Maybe they go a little shorter on pitching in the WC round since it’s only 3 games at most. But after that I think at least 1 of the Ryan/Osich/Chafin lefties make it for the sake of handiness (1-2 will make it in the WC round I’d assume), not that it’s deserved, and Rea is probably in the discussion to.

[squally1313]

So how was the board when they found out they clinched a playoff spot?

 

Spent a whole page arguing about our backup center fielders 41 PAs with the Cubs.