What sucks the most about this is Lilly (besides maybe Good Z) is the one guy you want starting this week off and he decides to be bad early, to the tune of 4 runs. And the offense, that was lightening hot, takes the night off.
For those without MLB.tv and don't live in WCIU's viewing area... and those who have MLB EI [but live in the Cub's DMA]... you can watch (& listen to) the game on FSN FLA in a really small window on the MLB Game Mix channel (game is FSN FLA's broadcast).
Numbers that matter; Central: CHC 83-73 -- [3 @ FLA / 3 @ CIN] MIL 80-76 3.0 [2 vs StL / 4 vs SDP] West: ARI 88-68 -- [3 @ PIT / 3 @ COL] SDP 85-71 3.0 [2 @ SF / 4 @ MIL] COL 84-72 4.0 [3 @ LAD / 3 vs ARI] WildCard: PHI 85-71 -- [3 vs ATL / 3 vs WAS] SDP 85-71 -- [2 @ SF / 4 @ MIL] COL 84-72 1.0 [3 @ LAD / 3 vs ARI] ATL 82-74 3.0 [3 @ PHI / 3 @ HOU] So, take first 2 of 3 in FLA, hope StL steals one in MIL, and we are 4 up on MIL, with 4 to play for both. And SD will either fighting for the WC lead, be fighting to protect it, or both... no way MIL does any better than 3-1 vs SD. So... take 2 of 3 vs the Marlins - preferrably a sweep though (to erase ALL doubt) - and that should effectively seal the deal.
I bet if the Cubs are on TBS during the NLDS, we'll get Robinson/Simpson, seeing as that's the only pair without Cubs' ties, either formerly or presently.
That was before today, at least I am assuming it will go down after today. I'm incredibly optimistic right now, but I will believe everything about the Cubs going to the playoffs when I see it. Until they clinch, I must be even just a little wary. +1
Probly been covered, but after today's results...... Cards take 1 in MIL, and Cubs sweep Marlins, and Cubs clinch just before the weekend. If StL pulls off the miracle and takes 2 from MIL, Cubs just need to win 2 in FLA to clinch - even if MIL beats SD in first game of their final series on Thursday.
Dream scenario... end of day Wednesday, Cubs have won 1st two vs Marlins and Cards stole 1 in MIL, in that series. That leaves records at 85-73 -- & 81-77 4.0; with 4 games left for each team. And then Cubs finish off the sweep of the Marlins on Thursday, clinching the division, and making the final weekend meaningless (other than resting the playoff regulars and being able to setup up the NLDS rotation). That's what I'll be praying for.
Wow. 10 games over .500, with 6 left to play, and a 3.5 game lead on the competition [Magic Number now at 4]. Hell of a way to start the last week of the regular season (considering a week & a half to 2 weeks ago). 10-2 in last 12; 11-3 in last 14 [yes, vs some very questionable competition, but nonetheless, gotta win regardless]. So, are we peaking just the right time (especially offensively [power]), or could it be just a bit too soon?
CHC 83-73 -- MIL 79-76 3.5 Well, those last 4 days went about well as could have been expected; Braves took 3 of 4 from the Brewers and Cubs swept PIT. So... now the scenarios are this?... CHC / MIL (T) / MIL (W) ------------ 0-6 / 4-3 / 5-2 1-5 / 5-2 / 6-1 2-4 / 6-1 / 7-0 3-3 / 7-0 / X 4-2 / X / X 5-1 / X / X 6-0 / X / X
Seriously thinking its gonna be one of these 2 scenarios (at least for the Cubs [4-3 or 5-2 over last 7]... but I would definitely not hate it if the Cubs went 6-1 or 7-0 in last 7. Or at least whatever and 0 until they clinch the Central.
SD just 0.5 behind AZ for the NL West title, after today... that is huge, as SD will be battling AZ for the West, and/or fighting off PHI for the WC. SD @ MIL, 9/27-30
BAH HAHAHA!! Houston singles, with guys on 1st and 2nd, Lee "dekes" the SS, so can't score on single, but Taguchi throws to..... nobody, at 3rd, and 2 runs score on the error. 7-0 Houston, 1 out, guy on 2nd; top 7