vance_the_cubs_fan

It may or may not be any worse, but the Cardinal pitchers relied on it a lot in 2004. They may not be as successful as balls that last year were outs or double play balls roll into the outfield for seeing eye singles. Where Grudz is a better defender than Walker, Nomar has a much better arm than Eckstein. Rolen is better than Ramirez, but Lee covers more ground around first than Pujols. I'm not sure the infield defense for St. Louis will be much better than the Cubs this year, and with the ground ball pitchers they have, they will need it to be.

Last year the Cardinals played three games over their pythag projection. The EXP W/L based on RS/RA would have been 102-67. The Cubs played significantly under their pythagorean projection. Had the Cubs matched the predicted W/L, they would have been 95-67. So, let's begin our discussions assuming last season, by raw numbers the Cardinals were a 102 win team and the Cubs a 95 win team. What are the net gains and losses based on those projections? Well, assisting the Cubs are Nomar for a full season and hoped for health. The Cubs will experience the loss of big bats in Alou and Sosa. Burnitz may equal some of Sosa's production, but Holla/Dubois/Hairston likely doesn't make up for Alou. If healthy, however, the Cubs should be able to match the production that should have resulted in a 95 win team. The Cardinals had everything go right with a team that projects 102 wins. Mulder makes up a few more wins replacing Williams and it remains to be seen what numbers Morris will put up. I'm doubtful that Marquis will pitch as well as he did last season. Suppan may not be any worse, but he won't be any better. The bullpen will not be as effective and the middle infield defense will not be as strong either. The offense while it still boasts a wonderful heart will be equal if not a little less. A lot depends on the health of Larry Walker. Based on the gains and losses, I would expect the Cardinals to be around a 95 win team as well. All in all, it's a dead heat between these two teams and the answering of the various questions and the GM's ability to make the right moves at the trading deadline along with the pesky health issues will decide this division. I'm hoping and predicting a Cubs win this year, but at this point in the season, it's a little presumptuous to assume either team will be a 100 win team or to guarantee a divisional title for either.

Why cant they send the doctor out to Arizona instead of the other way around....would have made millions of people feel so much better I think in one place I read that the doctor had other people to see in Chicago, so it made more sense to send Wood to him.

You're right, both teams have questions. I think the answering of those questions could decide who wins the division. I have both teams predicted in 90-95 win range. Health will go a long way in deciding who wins this thing. For the most part, the Cardinals remained healthy last season. The Cubs did not. Had the injuuries been the other way around, the outcome could have been much different. That isn't to take anything away from what the Cardinals accomplished last season. It's just the truth. So what do I see happening? If Wood, Prior, and Zambrano are healthy then I think it's the Cubs division. Now, some might call that a pretty big if based on the injury concerns that at least Wood and Prior bring to the table. If they aren't healthy, then I guess it becomes a crap shoot. (And use that with any double meanings you wish.) I think the Cardinals have a very potent offense, but it is top heavy. While Walker, Pujols, Edmonds, and Rolen form the best 2-5 anywhere, the rest (Eck, Grudz, Sanders, Molina) just aren't as formidable. I think the Cardinals will puish weak pitching. Good pitchers may be able to work through the line-up. Like the Cubs pitching, injuries could take a toll if they happen. I'm not sure the Cardinals would be able to continue winning if they experience any long term absences of Pujols or Rolen. They also should get ready to experience long term absences of Walker. I'll be surprised if he plays 100 games. I am not as concerned about the Cubs pen as most are. There isn't a bonafide closer, but that doesn't mean one won't emerge. There are a lot of good arms down there with a lot of talent. One thing I've learned through years of watching baseball is that bullpens are fluid. Some relievers seem to pitch great one year, horrible another, average another, etc. With the collection of arms the Cubs have, I would not be surprised if it turns into a great pen. On the other hand, it could be bad. That's why I said you can't ignore the questions. Based on everything, I'm going to predict that both teams make the playoffs. Of course, I'd be lying if I didn't say I hope that the Cubs are there and the Cardinals...are well somewhere below .500. (I don't think it will happen, but it is my hope.)

Young Stud: Jose Capellan Comeback/Sleeper: Jason Giambi

I guess since the actual Opening Day starter has been named, it's getting time to name the game thread opening day starter ... :-k I think it should be based on who made the best donations to the contest... :P

I'd imagine so. I guess this year, FedEx is not a requirement (it's not even an option) for bleacher tickets if you don't want will call. I'm not sure if you'd get the $2.50 refund, though, but you probably would. I didn't think you could pick up will call tickets this early, either. When you call up, they may ask you why you didn't select will call to begin with. That's what I told them. Apparently, it does say on the ticket selection screen, but there's no way I was going to take the time to read the fine print when I was trying to rush through on Friday and grab tickets. Jon, If I paid for the 3-Day delivery with one order and the rest were regular mail, do you think I could call and have the rest of my tix sent with the 3-Day delivery?

Anyone's guess to how long before pretty much everything is sold out?

Damnit! only seats are in the bad 500s now...well Vance Im glad you got those tickets, but I would have been happy to facilitate a trade for you to take a couple of the sunday boston tix off of your hands. I appreciate it anyways. And to all who helped, thanks. If any of you will be at Wrigley for the Sunday BoSox or Monday Marlins game, let me know...we can at least say hi.

I got seats for the 613 game! Section 211! It looks like they've released more seats that weren't there yesterday. If you were shut out it's worth a try today!

Nilo, I think you have a star in many people's books tonight. You went above and beyond the call. (I just wish you could have gotten me Fish tix on 6/13..lol) Have a great night! just doing my duty...anyone else on here would have done the same...I wish I could have gotten those tickets to, that was the one series i missed out on and def would have shared the wealth considering its not a 5 minute L ride for you to come up here. If you hear of anyone who got extras to that one, I still have the extra BoSox as of now. I do have a possible trade on the horizon, but I'm still trying. I'd love to be able to do two games on the trip instead of one.

Nilo, I think you have a star in many people's books tonight. You went above and beyond the call. (I just wish you could have gotten me Fish tix on 6/13..lol) Have a great night!

You need tix to 9/25?

If you have AIM, IM me at Vanceym

Miz, Check your pm's.

Miz, Nilo hasn't hooked you up yet?

I could still use some tix for June 13 if any has some they want to sell or trade.

If anyone has 3 extra to the June 13th game against the Fish, I'll trade 3 to the June 12th against the BoSox.

Does anyone have 3 extra tix to the Cubs-Marlins on June 13th that they would like to trade?

i remember trying for that one a few hours ago and although it doesnt say sold out it was sold out damn...

Nilo, If you can get me three tix to the June 13th game against the Marlins, I'll buy you one to the game as well.

Going to go alone hogg? I tried to get 2 tickets away from each other but it wouldn't allow that. It made me buy one ticket, then sent me on back to the waiting room. That really sucks. You may be able to get some singles without the VWR mess after this weekend. Scattered singles usually last awhile.

I feel for you, brother. I really do.

Yep. That's not a good sign, but hey at least you can take a shower there... :roll:

Going to go alone hogg?