The Other 15

Dude, knock yourself out in every worst case scenario you can imagine. But Billingsley has not been unbeatable. Which was the point I was making.

I know that Billingsley is a very good young pitcher, but where is this notion that he's somehow unbeatable coming from? Everyone that is saying this matchup is "favorable to the Dodgers" must be aware that in the last two months Billingsley has given up about a .290 BAA, right? They are sure to know that his whip in that time was roughly 1.50 as well? And they certainly must be aware that in 11 innings against the Cubs he had a 0-1 4.91/1.45 line? Let tonight pass (I know it was a wreck in every way) and save the Billinsley praise for after the game if he deserves it. Seriously, folks, they lost one game tonight not 3.

I know that Billingsley is a very good young pitcher, but where is this notion that he's somehow unbeatable coming from? Everyone that is saying this matchup is "favorable to the Dodgers" must be aware that in the last two months Billingsley has given up about a .290 BAA, right? They are sure to know that his whip in that time was roughly 1.50 as well? And they certainly must be aware that in 11 innings against the Cubs he had a 0-1 4.91/1.45 line? Let tonight pass (I know it was a wreck in every way) and save the Billinsley praise for after the game if he deserves it. Seriously, folks, they lost one game tonight not 3.

There is really nothing positive from this. It went about as bad as it could have. They had everything they needed to work for them work, while the Cubs just added more questions to their equation. The Dodgers needed to prove to themselves that they were a completely different team since the last time they played here. Check. Same for the Cubs (what's the opposite of check?) Dodgers needed their key players to play a key role. Check. The Cubs needed to prove that last seasons offensive playoff slumber was just one of those things that happen and not a trend. It's far from over, but the pressure will be on the Cubs for the remainder of this series because of the unfortunate scenario that played out that made Demp a game 1 starter for a rested team. He had been struggling with control for a while now. It's just that now they are forced to start him in a deciding game 5 if they can get there. Just as game one, game 5 will scare the lights out of me. He had a great season and was certainly a most pleasant surprise, but I don't know how he could be considered the best fit for game one and possibly 5 of a playoff series when you have Z and Harden on your roster. They also could have gone the route of the Dodgers and pitched their hottest pitcher (Lilly) in game one. I'm certain that somebody will point out Demps season numbers as a reason, but I'm not ready to anoint Demp a ace just yet. Love the guy and what he did this year, but he shouldn't have been in this situation tonight. For now, it's time to forget tonight and start the series over with Z as the ace who'll be asked to pitch game 5 on short rest.

More AB's for Hoff, Henry, and Font More situational play from the role players (move a guy to third etc) More tough 8th and 9th inning situations for Jeff, Cotts, Gaudin, & Howry (I would add Hart but whats the point he won't be on the playoff roster.) Possibly use Jason in long relief role to see how he responds. Use Wood and Marmol twice each on strict pitch counts to keep them sharp (use them earlier than usual if needed). Finally, to see Dero get a pinch AB Sunday to show he's helthy. Personally, for me, it's a win win. We'll help stick a knife to one teams heart no matter how many games are won. Anytime I can get a chance to see Braun cry like a baby or knock the Mets out, it's a treat.

Immediately after Derosa was removed from the game he was placed into the walking boot. Yesterday, Bob and Len said as much and added that he'll be wearing it for the next few games but he's considered day to day. Why the Herald chooses to sensationalize everything before confirmation is beyond me. However, as fans, don't write this off as a minor deal if Dero is truly injured for the NLDS. It will be a significant hit to the roster.

There is a small distinction between starting, playing the field, and PH. I don't exactly know how to judge Hoffpauir's .517 OPS as a PH. Small sample size makes it impossible to use stats to analyze a PH, but it is possible the Hoffpauir isn't a fit for that spot. Ward as PH, Hoffpauir as potential replacement in RF, maybe for Lee at 1B, and as DH against righties in the WS. That assumes their is room for both on the roster. This is also legit. But I have a hard time believing that there is room for both. It seems like there will have to be a decision. Pie has too much speed and defense to be left off. it'll be interesting which way they go. my sample size argument was just to point out that one 5-5 game does not make him "the guy" I certainly never implied as much and I'm not certain that anyone else did. Late bloomers can have success in the majors: see Ryan Ludwick. I'm not sure if Hoffpauir fits into that category, but it's possible. Very good point. We too often are focused on a guys age and assume that a 28 yr old can't "get it" just like we expect 23 yr olds to do.

Just a little side note. I don't think anyone here believes the plan is for Samardzija, Cotts, Howry and Hart to pitch the 8th, 9th and 10th innings of games. When we consider the circumstances (on the road, vs a desperate team pulling no stops, in a environment that has been less than friendly to Cub pitchers of all calibers) these guys didn't really fare too poorly. What's more important than their respective performances was that each of them had a playoff atmosphere to be tested under so that the staff can make more informed decisions. I don't think Samrdzja disappointed.

A legit point. However, which sample size should be studied in this case? Do we use the accumulated effort of a guy who's had a 10 yr career? If so, How much does it matter right now, what Ward produced in 2003, or even 2007? So, since both are likely to see playing time vs RHP, what is the difference between 57 AB to 83? Everyone can look up the numbers difference and see how slanted they are in Hoffs favor. Is that enough to make a statistical based decision? Maybe, I don't know. Where do we place the weight of an additional 290 AB's that Hoffpauir has seen this season when we consider "sample size?" Not to mention the ridiculous numbers those 290 Ab's bore? What of the intangibles? Who's hot right now? I love the idea that Ward is more likely to take a walk in his AB but is that alone worth taking on his anemic performance? Again, I don't know. Who's likely to need a automatic pinch runner, thus burning late extra inning options? Who can play what position? I'm not sure that Hoffpouir completely dominates in these intangibles but he certainly looks healthier. So in sample size, we must consider the timing, players health, players recent performance, and players long term performance. I'm looking up and down these sample sizes and the only ones that make a case for DWard are a year old. Unfortunately it's not 2007 anymore.

It might have been just one game, but it came during a season in which he's been killing the ball whenever it's thrown near the strike zone. I like experience as much as the next guy, but Ward's season has produced exactly one meaningful swing. That shouldn't be enough to keep Micah Hulkpower off the playoff roster. Don't get me wrong, I like Ward and he's been among the best at what he does for a long time but it was a simple decision with Soto last season despite only playing about three weeks. This is just as elementary when figuring out who serves more purposes as a LH bat off the bench. The vet was given the entire season to get comfortable, for whatever reasons (let's not discount injuries and age playing major roles), he just hasn't been able to get there. A dialed in player, no matter the experience level, should get the AB's when they matter.

I'm just getting far too many 2006 Cards vibes from this team. I'd almost rather not see them. The worse they are, the more crippled, injured and debilitated they are, the scarier they are in my mind. Really? For whatever reason, i dont get those vibes from them. Whatever happened to get the Cards going doesnt look like its growing on the Brewers. Plus, i wouldnt be thrilled with starting the playoffs agaisnt the Dodgers pitching. As much as I hate the Mets, their fans, and especially what would be a biased ESPN fueled media frenzy, I'd still rather face that pen and staff in the first round. But I was thought a long time ago to be careful what i wished for.

I'm getting this uneasy feeling from the Brewers. The more they play, the worse they look, the more they remind me of the 2006 Cardinals. Soon Dave Bush will be 2006 Jeff Weaver, leading them to improbable upset after improbable upset, and we go down in 7 to them. Wow, you've got to be a blast at kids birthday parties. Yeah, enjoy your 3rd birthday but remember each one proves only one thing, you're dying.

As heart attack inducing as the bullpen appeared, they still managed to get the job done......or the Mets just suck. It might be the latter with all the chances they blew. The world is a much safer place to sleep in when Lee decides to use all fields. Carlos, I agree, the ump was terrible, but you've got to get over this ridiculous behavior that you know will not win you any favors in the future. Enjoy the good night Milwaukee, but remeber, the Cubs giveth and the Cubs taketh away.

Pie has a career .825 OPS in the minors. A guy like that should be give a few learning months in someones order that has as much diversity as the Cubs'.

Wow, the pure stupidity for Hawk Harrleson never stops to amaze. He just called Griffs HR like it tied the game instead of making 9-3. To which he added, "9-3 is alot better than 9-1" Anyways, pie is still a work in progress. What I have a hard time with is the notion that there would be no place for him to learn on this roster. Again, not comparing Pie to Ellsbury, but If teams like Boston could use a solid defender and good speed, there surely has to be a spot on this team for a talent like Pie. Of he turns out a bust, so be it, but you have to give him a shot sooner or later.

I'm just saying sure they put up 6 runs but it just as easily could have been a shut out Thats true, but any offense with Reyes, Beltran, Wright and Delgado is nothing to laugh at.

Thats fine as long as they make a major upgrade in the OF. We surely are not going to repeat our CF production without making an acquisition. I know that it has become popular to write Pie off but I wouldn't just yet. Looking at young players like Ellsbury and Gomez for example, it's very difficult for me to believe that Pie would do worse in a full season. I'm sure that they will have a backup plan like Johnson or another version of Edmonds (Cameron? Pods? eww I cant' believe i just brought up Pods) ready in place but I'm also near certain that they will give Pie every chance to win the job in spring. Don't throw out the baby with the water.

Not really. He used to hit a few out last year, but this year, he seems focused and uses BP to work on his insideout swing.

I'm sure that this has been repeated like crazy, but any team that makes the playoffs has enough going for them to be problematic. The Mets, despite their injuries, have enough firepower offensively that if they get hot they would need just minimal pitching. With Delgado, Reyes and Beltran, the Cubs would be forced to use Marmol, not only as their primary set up guy, but as their "loogy" as well. Anyways, it was great to get Santana to throw 130 pitches tonight. So something positive came of this game.

Welcome to the board! Thank you

This was the first complete outing I've seen from Johan this season and he is good but there is something missing from last couple of seasons. Those sliders didn't have as much bite as they did and it appears easier for hitters to pick them up earlier and stay away. His straight change was good however, but his overall velocity looks like its lacking from last year at this time.