10 Games in July

[moorecg]

Is it just me, or do the 10 games right before the all-star break amount to a very crucial time in the wild card race?

 

We have Washington (3); Atlanta (4); and Florida (3)...the thee teams closest in the WildCard race(I count Wash even though they lead the division). A good showing in that stretch...(say 7-3?) would put us in good shape to take the wild card lead, and would also set us up for going into the break on a high and put us in a good spot for the second half of the season. A lot of those games are on the road...but since we've got the band back together and a 1/2 a tank of gas, I see no reason why we can't "hit it."

 

What are people's predictions for those 3 series? Am I over reacting to the importance of those 3 series? Are the Nats really going to stay in this all year?

[chicubs310]

the Nats have a very good chance to stay near the top, and if wood can come back, and prior pitches like he did, then i think 7-3 or 8-2 is very possible, which would put us in really good shape

[Bull]

Agreed. This stretch is a make or break for the wildcard and the division. In my mind its all build up for the Cardinals series.

[Coach C]

 

We have Washington (3); Atlanta (4); and Florida (3)...the thee teams closest in the WildCard race(I count Wash even though they lead the division). A good showing in that stretch...(say 7-3?) would put us in good shape to take the wild card lead, and would also set us up for going into the break on a high and put us in a good spot for the second half of the season. A lot of those games are on the road...but since we've got the band back together and a 1/2 a tank of gas, I see no reason why we can't "hit it."

 

What are people's predictions for those 3 series? Am I over reacting to the importance of those 3 series? Are the Nats really going to stay in this all year?

 

Wow, that is a tough one there before the all-star break. No, I also think the same thing about that it's important to the wildcard race. Also might I add that it's also important to finish the 1st half of the season on a strong note, so that the Cubs can build some momentum heading to the 2nd half of the season.

 

I'm not sure how the Cubs will fare aganist the Nationals, but we seem to have the Braves number for the most part. I think the one that really conerns me is the FLA series. I'd say if we can go 6-4 or 7-3, that would be fantastic, considering the fact that Washington, Atlanta, and Florida are solid teams.

[dalgreen]

Is it just me, or do the 10 games right before the all-star break amount to a very crucial time in the wild card race?

 

We have Washington (3); Atlanta (4); and Florida (3)...the thee teams closest in the WildCard race(I count Wash even though they lead the division). A good showing in that stretch...(say 7-3?) would put us in good shape to take the wild card lead, and would also set us up for going into the break on a high and put us in a good spot for the second half of the season. A lot of those games are on the road...but since we've got the band back together and a 1/2 a tank of gas, I see no reason why we can't "hit it."

 

What are people's predictions for those 3 series? Am I over reacting to the importance of those 3 series? Are the Nats really going to stay in this all year?

 

I don't mean to overstate the obvious, but at 39-36, every game and every series is important. But, yes, the ten games you mentioned are significant. I like Dontrelle Willis, but I hope his start last night is the beginning of what has become a typical slide in the second half. At least, I hope he has a bad start against the Cubs.

 

As for predictions, "Prediction? Pain!" Clubber Lang 1983.

[Coach C]

Also I want to add that Washington has been pretty solid, and that we're catching those two teams that are on fire for the most part. Atlanta has won the last 5 games.

 

Florida however, have been on a slump as of lately.

[dalgreen]

Also I want to add that Washington has been pretty solid, and that we're catching those two teams that are on fire for the most part. Atlanta has won the last 5 games.

 

Florida however, have been on a slump as of lately.

 

Washington seems to be a totally different team on the road than at home, too.

[RyCubsFan]

While the Nats have played very good baseball this year, they are a different team away from RFK. At home they are 27-10, while on the road they are 18-21. We lost 2 out of 3 in DC, however we should win the series in Chicago.

[Coach C]

Also I want to add that Washington has been pretty solid, and that we're catching those two teams that are on fire for the most part. Atlanta has won the last 5 games.

 

Florida however, have been on a slump as of lately.

 

Washington seems to be a totally different team on the road than at home, too.

 

Yeah, I noticed that as well, which could be good for us. I didn't start paying much attention on the Home and Away record until recently when I looked back to their W-L on the road, and I thought to myself "Hmm, we should take 2 out of 3 aganist them."

[jjgman21]

the Nats should be without Nick Johnson for at least part of that series.

 

anyone know the status of Hudson and Hampton for the Braves series?

[CubinNY]

I agree with Coach C every series is a big one.

 

The Cubs have to show they are a contender. They have to seperate themselves from the other medicore clubs. They are at a level of mediocrity now, the question is when the ASB rolls around will they have elevated themselves?

 

Here is to hoping they do that and people at Wrigley lay off of C-Patt. Why do they love to kick a man when he is down?

[Mark_R]

I agree with Coach C every series is a big one.

 

The Cubs have to show they are a contender. They have to seperate themselves from the other medicore clubs. They are at a level of mediocrity now, the question is when the ASB rolls around will they have elevated themselves?

 

Here is to hoping they do that and people at Wrigley lay off of C-Patt. Why do they love to kick a man when he is down?

 

I agree with the rest of your post, but come on. I doubt there are any Cub fans who like seeing Corey fail just so they can boo him.

 

If it was in jest, I apologize in advance.....

[Wendy City]

I'm feeling pretty confident for something along the lines of 7-3 for this stretch. I'll feel even better if Kerry shows he's really back today. With our pitching at full strength, we're the team to beat. Frankly, if we add the bat we need to add, we can still make a run at the Cardinals. But one thing at a time, right.

[jjgman21]

I agree with Coach C every series is a big one.

 

The Cubs have to show they are a contender. They have to seperate themselves from the other medicore clubs. They are at a level of mediocrity now, the question is when the ASB rolls around will they have elevated themselves?

 

Here is to hoping they do that and people at Wrigley lay off of C-Patt. Why do they love to kick a man when he is down?

 

I agree to hoping that they lay off Corey. however, I saw a post game interview with him last night where he was asked about that, and he's handling it very professionally. he understands why its happening and is shrugging it off well. he said it hurt last year because it was the first time it ever happened to him, but is doing well taking it in stride this year.

 

fact is, if not for Corey, the Cubs probably don't win these past two games.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'll be at 3 of the 4 in Atlanta. I'm hoping we win all three!

[Bergy92]

Here's the angle that I have not heard much mentioned...the three teams closest to us (for the wild card) are all in the same division. They will beat up on each other in the 2nd half and it will be there for the taking. That is, the assumption that we are able to play well enough to take it.

 

I would just rather be chasing 3 teams in one division that 1 team from all 3 divisions...

[soapy]

I'm actually hoping for a 6-4 record in those games. Possibly looking something like this:

 

2 of 3 vs. WSH

2 of 4 @ ATL

2 of 3 @ FLA

 

2 of 3 is certainly reasonable at home against the Nats. As has been stated, they aren't as good on the road.

 

I think 2 of 4 is more reasonable then 3 of 4 at Atlanta. I haven't seen the pitching matchups yet, but they've been playing well lately.

 

Florida is struggling a little right now, so I think 2 of 3 is a real possibility in Miami.

 

I think 6-4 would be pretty respectable and would put the Cubs at 45-40 heading into the break.

[BleedCubbieBlue81]

I'll be at 3 of the 4 in Atlanta. I'm hoping we win all three!

 

I'm hoping we win all four actually, but I see your point. How is it to see a game in Atlanta? I've never been inside of that stadium.

 

Even though the Nationals are having a great season so far, I don't see them competing against Atlanta or Florida in the end. They'll end up with a decent record, but they'll be a few games out of the wild card race, IMO. We'll be battling with whoever doesn't with the East out of Florida and Atlanta. Hopefully they can knock each other around, and hopefully we can knock the Cards around. Should be fun

[CubinNY]

I agree with Coach C every series is a big one.

 

The Cubs have to show they are a contender. They have to seperate themselves from the other medicore clubs. They are at a level of mediocrity now, the question is when the ASB rolls around will they have elevated themselves?

 

Here is to hoping they do that and people at Wrigley lay off of C-Patt. Why do they love to kick a man when he is down?

 

Bump

 

Nine games left. Will the real Cubs please stand up?

[Larry Horse]

I agree with Coach C every series is a big one.

 

The Cubs have to show they are a contender. They have to seperate themselves from the other medicore clubs. They are at a level of mediocrity now, the question is when the ASB rolls around will they have elevated themselves?

 

Here is to hoping they do that and people at Wrigley lay off of C-Patt. Why do they love to kick a man when he is down?

 

I agree to hoping that they lay off Corey. however, I saw a post game interview with him last night where he was asked about that, and he's handling it very professionally. he understands why its happening and is shrugging it off well. he said it hurt last year because it was the first time it ever happened to him, but is doing well taking it in stride this year.

 

fact is, if not for Corey, the Cubs probably don't win these past two games.

 

Here's how I look at it: When a player plays well, fans cheer. When a player plays badly for an extended period of time, they will boo. That's it. Fans shouldn't be expected not to boo because a player is in an extended funk, especially a player such as CPatt who has pretty much thumbed his nose at any suggestion of a different approach to hitting.

 

This attitude of laying off of a player because he is playing crappy baffles me. Fans should be allowed to cheer only?

[moorecg]

I agree with Coach C every series is a big one.

 

The Cubs have to show they are a contender. They have to seperate themselves from the other medicore clubs. They are at a level of mediocrity now, the question is when the ASB rolls around will they have elevated themselves?

 

Here is to hoping they do that and people at Wrigley lay off of C-Patt. Why do they love to kick a man when he is down?

 

Bump

 

Nine games left. Will the real Cubs please stand up?

 

Unfortunatly...I'm afraid that yesterday was pretty close to the real Cubs...we scored some runs...but for this team to win consistently our staff needs to keep the other team at 4 or under. The News on Nomar is encouraging, but we really need production from LF...heck...from CF and SS would be nice too (although I'm high on Cedeno...(that's legal isn't it))...if Hendry can pull that off it would be great.

 

I know all the arguments about needing trading partners and the like...but it seems so freaking wrong to me that we wait until the deadline every year...we've known we had these needs for at least 2 months...the quicker we act the more benefit we get from any trade...anyway...

[ranker]

When I first saw this thread I thought Dusty had written a book...ala LaRussa's 'Three Nights in August'.

 

My mistake. :roll:

[DCDiehard]

Some have said that the Nationals have a poor road record. Don't look now, but it is the second best in the league -- to go along with the best home record.

 

My firends on the Nats boards were kinda agreed that they would just win 1 of 3 in Chicago. But the Nats formula seems to be holding up okay: good pitching, somehow manufacture 4 runs -- and great defense. Who could have predicted 18 games over .500? None of us did.

 

Now as for Cubs games with Atlanta and Florida -- you'll find a lot of Nats fans rooting with the Cubs!

[moorecg]

well...with grand hopes of 7-3, or 6-4 before the 10 games started...right now 5-5 would be welcome...

 

Please Mr. Hendry, get us a LF...and Make Dusty start Ronny.

[moorecg]

Wow...I never imagined this when I started this thread. This team has truly just falen apart. With Lee out, even for a few days, we've got trouble right here in river city.

 

I've lost faith in Hendry.

 

Nomar went down darn near the 2nd or 3rd week of the season and he's done absolutely nothing to remedy SS or LF (Which became a bigger problem once we found out we wouldn't have a great bat at SS)...He completly blew off fixing the bullpen this off season, and we've still got Macias on this team.

 

2 years ago I thought we had a legit shot at making the playoffs each of the next 3 years...we'll be lucky to come back to .500 at the current rate. What upsets me the most is that he'll wait till July 31 and make a trade...maybe its just me, but I think we needed help June 30.