soccer10k

This is an excellent point that shouldn't be overlooked. Anytime you feel bad about this team, look at the Nats and that should make you feel a little bit better. We are a flawed team. Our starters are weak and our offense can be inconsistent at times. But the fact that we still have the best record in the NL shows you that every NL team has significant flaws. We're obviously not a lock to make the playoffs but we're looking pretty good. 538 has us at 93%, Fangraphs has us at 97% and BP has us at 95%ish (it was 96% but that's before today's game). So lets say 95%, which means there's a 1 in 20 shot of the Cubs going something like 17-22 or 16-23 (87 or 88 wins might not be enough). For the division, there's about a 1 in 4 or 1 in 5 shot we don't win it. That's certainly not nothing. But it also means we're probably 75% to win the division. As for the playoffs, if we make it, we only need four starters. Hamels and Hendricks appear to be a relatively solid 1-2. If you can get either Lester or Quintana going at all, that's 3. Then the 4th you just have a quick hook. In the Division Series, we'd have a day off after Game 4 so you can ride the pen if needed. Hopefully in the NLCS or WS (if we advance) you'd only need the 4th starter once (maybe twice in one of the series). We do have a pretty solid pen. And as bad as the offense has looked recently, they're still pretty good and capable of getting hot for a couple weeks at a time. It wouldn't be crazy for this team to go on a run.

I’m more horrified he’s batting lead off.

The Cards are currently the second wild card. This is less than ideal.

Not with the ump calling strikes 4 inches off the plate.

So close to two on none out.

Good start. We’re taking the lead this inning.

Another GIDP.

Well there’s our solo dong for the day.

Don’t bother warming anyone up. Just let him wear it for 100 pitches.

Because you thought he would implode in the 1st inning?

Here come the walks.

Good to see the GIDPs are continuing.

Three in a row! First time that's happened since we won four straight from July 13-19. I have to say, this has been an enjoyable run of game thread starts. But that will likely come to an end on Saturday due to the combination of Sofa being at the game and Chatwood starting. I know we won the last two games by only scoring one run in each game but - please bear with me here because this might sound crazy - I think we're going to have to get at least two to win this thing. And hey, maybe the combination of Sofa and Chatwood works like a double negative and they cancel each other out resulting in a Cubs victory. GO CUBS!

HAHAHA!!

Just walk him already to set up the double play. That's the only way we get outs tonight anyway.

Well so much for that.

Don't worry guys. GIDP coming up here.

Nice and easy here, Steve.

I'd go up to 90 seconds but I definitely agree. Same goes for basketball also.

Get at least one, please.

Nice throw!

Can't tell either way so call should stand.

LOL!

At least it's not Duensing?

Runner on first, one out? Got the Pirates right where we want them.