Cubs (Boyd) vs Brewers (Gasser): 09/07/26, 1:10 PM

[Derwood]

6 minutes ago, 17 Seconds said:

okay, getting a little concerned about missing the playoffs now

our odds actually went up 0.01% after the loss

[Papa Cub]

Yeah……so, for me and what I’m seeing…..I believe the home field is going to pass us by day by day (I know only a half game behind after today). I don’t see the bullpen improving whatsoever. Literally nobody you can trust, our starting pitching has improved since the break, but still extremely inconsistent, and these other teams (Phillies, Arizona, and SD) are gaining ground.

At this point, I’m just concerned about making the postseason. Yet even IF they do, I don’t see a trip to the NLDS with this team. 

[UMFan83]

1 minute ago, UMFan83 said:

They likely arent missing the playoffs, worse case they are 4 ahead in the loss column after today while holding the tiebreaker and 17 games remaining.

If the Cubs go 9-8 in those 17 games, to miss the playoffs the Padres and Diamondbacks would both have to finish 15-3 or better to knock the Cubs out.  Also, they still play each other 3 times, so one of those teams is taking 2 losses at least, meaning they'd have to go 15-1 in their other games to knock the Cubs out.

Even if the Cubs really flatline and struggle, let's say 5-12, the Padres and Diamondbacks still need to both go 11-8 or better, with the of the teams needing to go 11-6 or better because they are getting 2 losses from the other one.

I mean it's possible, but not super likely at this point.  If we didn't hold the tiebreakers over both, or if one of the teams was much closer to the Cubs, I might have some concern because then it only takes one team getting hot to knock us out with an uneven finish

To add to this, the Cubs magic number is 11 to make the playoffs with 17 to go.  11-6 clinches it without any help.  

[WhyCantWeWin]

Give Hoyer another extension pls

[chibears55]

Even if Milwaukee sweeps them, Itll come down to final 15 games for the Cubs.

If they can't hold off the Padres/Dbacks and win at least 10 games from the Pirates,  Braves,  Reds, Marlins, and RedSox then they dont deserve to go to the playoffs. 

Getting WC1 from the Phillies will come down to the Phillies being able to beat Houston,  Atlanta,  Milwaukee,  and Tampa or not.

So, easier road for the Cubs, but need to win these games 

Edited 10 minutes ago by chibears55

[JBears79]

3 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

To add to this, the Cubs magic number is 11 to make the playoffs with 17 to go.  11-6 clinches it without any help.  

I am genuinely not sure this team is capable of that. This is one of the worst bullpens i have ever seen.

[Soul]

6 minutes ago, gflore34 said:

Honestly, at this point, I really don't care.  Bull pen can't hold a lead of less than 4 runs, it's pretty hopeless.

Yep.  Even if they make it, they’ll be so easily dismissed people will remember 2026 for PCA but the playoffs will never be mentioned.

[Papa Cub]

4 minutes ago, UMFan83 said:

To add to this, the Cubs magic number is 11 to make the playoffs with 17 to go.  11-6 clinches it without any help.  

[abuck1220]

if I thought the second historic collapse to miss the playoffs in the last few seasons would lead to a new front office, I’d be slightly rooting for that outcome, but since we know that’s not happening, I’ll just try to enjoy PCA I guess. 

[chibears55]

7 minutes ago, JBears79 said:

Ive already given up on the playoffs. This pitching staff is so bad. I dont care what the percentages say. 

Theyll make the playoffs,  I just think even if they find a way to win the WC round, they wont get pass the Division round with this pitching.

It would be a Miracle if they made it to the NLCS

[Papa Cub]

1 minute ago, JBears79 said:

I am genuinely not sure this team is capable of that. This is one of the worst bullpens i have ever seen.

That is exactly my point! They have zero clutch pitching. Bullpen is absolutely fuckin terrible, and will most likely not improve…..could actually get worse. Even if they make the postseason……who are they beating in a series with this pitching staff? At some point, people have to just be realistic. COULD they win a series? Sure - but the data from their pitching staff that I’m seeing says otherwise. 

[Wilson A2000]

16 minutes ago, Soul said:

I’m sure the paycheck helps ease the pain.

He took the Cubs job because he thought the Brewers couldn’t get over the hump. Maybe they never do, but I just don’t think Craig cares about the money when you continually get bested by your rival. He should have realized that the Cubs won’t spend what they need to overcome their poor farm system and development.  

[UMFan83]

16 minutes ago, JBears79 said:

I am genuinely not sure this team is capable of that. This is one of the worst bullpens i have ever seen.

Sure but that's a scenario that requires no help, meaning both the Padres and Diamondbacks could win every game besides the 3 they play against each other and still not pass the Cubs.  At 10-7, one of the teams would have to go undefeated outside of their 3 game series at the end of the year.  At 9-8, they are only afforded 1 loss. etc etc.

I mean I get it, I was lightly banging the "Cubs could still collapse" drum last week but that 3 game winning streak plus some time to think logically about it talked some sense into me.  It would take a complete 2004 style ending and/or a 2007 Rockies style finish from 2 different teams to miss it.

Edited just now by UMFan83