UMFan83

What can Lou be thinking keeping him in there. Does he think Howry has something left? Because he didn't have anything to begin with...

Because he wants to show us that we shouldn't have traded him.

How is it the HR ball that bit Howry Len? Sure he gave up the HR, but he also allowed 2 to reach before that. It's not like he was cruising and threw one bad pitch and was like "whoops thats a mistake" He's been throwing them all inning.

Billy Beane was mocked when he stated that the MLB playoffs are essentially a crapshoot. But the more I think about it, the more I wonder if this is true. With the success of Wild Card teams in baseball since their inception, and the number of 100 win teams this decade that have faltered out in the Division Series, you have to wonder if it really is the hottest team that takes it all. Here are some interesting examples: 2007: The Rockies, mired around .500 in early September, go on an amazing run to streak into the playoffs, and through the National League to the World Series 2006: Cardinals almost blow a large division lead and come into the playoffs an afterthought of an 83 win team, then get red hot, receive stellar performances from unlikely sources and win the World Series. Meanwhile, the Tigers, who held a huge divisional lead into September, collapse and lose the division on the last day and taking the Wild Card. They then get hot and go 7-1 through the playoffs on the way to the World Series. 2005: White Sox start out the season red hot, build up a 12 game division lead and appear coasting to the playoffs. All the sudden in August, they start to trip up, and the Tribe gets hot. Suddenly its late September and the White Sox hold a 1.5 game lead. They eventually get hot, win their last 5-6 games, win the division and go 11-1 en route to winning the World Series. Meanwhile the Astros suck almost all season, are complete afterthoughts, but get hot and beat a 100 win Cardinal team in the NLCS to get to the World Series 2003: The Braves and Giants both win over 100 games and seem destined to meet in the NLCS. However the Cubs shut down the Braves league leading offense, and the Marlins handle the Giants and meet in the NLCS 2002: A's win over 100 games and get cold and lose in the first round etc etc etc. Basically, I've come to the mindset that winning 95-100 games is nice, but all that matters is getting into the playoffs and getting there hot. Sure there are some factors that increase your odds of succeeding in October (if they allowed the Nats to participate in the playoffs, I don't care how hot they were they aren't doing anything), pitching certainly helps, having good patience helps, etc. but overall I can't help but feel like whichever team is hotter is going to succeed in October. Thoughts?

Hip contusion, day to day. No one thinks its a big deal at all and might be back in tomorrow.

I am going to go to sleep tonight and pray that the Cubs are this hot when the playoffs come around. If they are hitting like they did coming out of the break, we are screwed. But if they are hitting like this, the Cubs will be unstoppable and that's all there is to it.

I refuse to believe that statistic. Straight from the mouth of Pat Hughes. I just can't believe that the Cubs in the last 63 years have been unable to win 8 in a row on the road. I mean I know the Cubs haven't had the best teams, but wow.

I refuse to believe that statistic.

I just had a funny thought of Ward on the top steps coming out and charging onto the field when he all the sudden stops, looks around and sees no one behind him.

Deal with it you moron. It's called baseball.

I don't know, the way the Braves play ball, I wouldn't be surprised if theres another beanball. And if that happens, you are guaranteed to see a fight and suspensions. Cubs walking a tight line here.

Funny. There's no way Ted should have been thrown out of the game last year vs. Atlanta, but probably should have been tossed here. Better not see a 3 run homer.

Not too worried about the Cardinals at this point. They are still the Cardinals. I want them to lose every single game regardless of their place in the standings.

Luckwick 2 run HR, 3-0 Cardinals.

So if the Cubs win tonight and Aramis is hurt, then the season series ends Cubs 6, Braves 2 correct?

I think it depends on which rib. If its one that seriously effects his swing awhile. If its not, it might only be a week or two. Worst case scenario, Rammy is out a month (but this isn't likely)

And let the freaking out begin.

Oh...my bad. Damn that was close.

yes please If we keep quoting this, it'll happen. I hope so...he's down 1-2

I hope you're not suggesting that he gets called up if Aramis is out. Think he's kidding.

Rammy in the hole...but it might just be strategic who knows.

Unless he's in next inning... That would be delicious. For my sanity, I hope he is. But realistically with a 5 run lead in the 5th, I would prefer he's taken out for precautionary reasons.

Fukuslam?

He looked to be limping didnt he?

It's his knee Or not