Considering how blazingly hot the Cards have been lately and to still be up on them is a real statement.
I always find it a bit irritating when fans and media start to panic in the dog days of the season when the Cubs aren't blowing teams out night after night. This team has proven it knows when to put the hammer down and when to ease off and save some gas in the tank. We're seeing that now...again. Same thing happened last year when they turned it on in the second half. The Cubs games in hand are the ones they need to win and last night was one of them. Lester got off to a rocky start but settled down on a night when baseballs could've been flying out all over the yard. No panic. Experience is the best weapon.
The Cubs have more talent and are at least a step above the rest of the NLC. It would take a huge collapse or STL continuing this torrid pace, which is unlikely.
Coming down to the wire and the Cubs keep winning when they need to. Cubs starters have been outstanding with the offense running on fumes towards the end of this brutal 30 day stretch. For all the grief Maddon gets for his decisions, he's pushed all the right buttons getting this team to where it is with a bullpen full of guys who weren't even on the team coming out of spring training.
A lot of injuries (especially pitching), Rizzo's and Bryant's slow start, and the hunt for a lead-off hitter, but they keep on truckin'.
“The best thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores.”
-- Al McGuire
8
Bummer about Morrow getting shut down. Hopefully Strop's hammy heals by October. As good as the bullpen has been lately, I'd feel better with an experienced option at closer going into the post season.
Cubs really need the other guys to step up over the final week of the season. Going into the post season without designated roles concerns me a bit.
Twitter: CPTNDONUTS
Former WIDB Sports Director and Dawg Pound President. Since my freshmen year, SIU Basketball has not appeared in a NCAA or NIT postseason game.
What is it about the Pirates pitching that stifles the Cubs hitters? Nothing but solo home runs the past 6 games. Ugh.
Getting no help from the Cards either. You'd think they'd be desperate to get that 2nd wild card spot but....
Huge win to go into final weekend up 1 full game.
Q going today in the tiebreaker.
I was at Wrigley yesterday for game #162. Definitely a tense atmosphere when the Cards jumped on Monty early but the 2 out rally in the 3rd brought the energy up. Nice day for Rizzo and some clutch hitting all around. If Contreras can get going, that'll be a big help.
Even though I feel better about this game, it still feels like the get it over with game like Game 4 of the 2015 NLCS against the Mets...
Twitter: CPTNDONUTS
Former WIDB Sports Director and Dawg Pound President. Since my freshmen year, SIU Basketball has not appeared in a NCAA or NIT postseason game.
Addison Russell was suspended by MLB today for 40 games retroactive to September 21st. If the Cubs keep him, he will be eligible to return on Friday, May 3rd for the start of the home stand against the Cardinals in Chicago.
“True terror is waking up one morning and discovering your high school class is running the country.” —Kurt Vonnegut
Cubs fire hitting coach Chili Davis
https://www.mlb.com/cubs/news/cubs-dismiss-hitting-coach-chili-davis/c-297660896
Whether is was the 30 in 30 or something else, somebody had to take the fall. By comparison, the pitching staff did not have the fall off that the hitters did later in the year so maybe it wasn't the wear and tear of the schedule after all.
Rough two years for Chili.
Frired from Bos and Chi in two years.
New HC is Anthony Iapoce coming in from the Rangers. Previously worked in the Cubs org with a lot of the guys so he's familiar.
Let the Bryce Harper hot stove begin!
