The outcome of the 2007 season was inevitable for the Chicago Cubs. The regular season games were fun to watch as well as witness the Cubs win the NL Central. Playoff celebrations weren't in order though this year (as with numerous desolate past seasons). I'm not that surprised this team couldn't reach the second round yet how they let the D-backs sweep them I can't fathom. Inconsistent offense has plagued the 2007 club all year so the inefficiencies at the plate should have been expected. A younger, talented hungry team got the best of them in Game 1 in my opinion.
Taking the wind out of their sails, the D-backs had nothing to fear or worry about in the series. When Zambrano was pulled from Game 1 after tossing 85 pitches that effected the rest of division series. Like I said before he definitely earned a win, but didn't receive a chance to get a decision. Everyone is questioning Lou for his decision and they have that right. Sure old Lou wanted to rest Carlos to make a start in a possible Game 4 (of course that didn't happen), but he also knew the Cubs ace was in the 'zone.' Besides that the lineup didn't produce squat for Z or the rest of the starters in the series. As the legendary Harry Carey used to say on the air, "You can't win without scoring runs no matter how good your pitching holds up."
As a century of desolation rolls around now I can only imagine the utter torment Chicago baseball historians and die-heart fans are going through as well as the number of times Harry Carey is rolling over in his grave. It's a damn freaking shame the Cubs failed to even notch 1 victory in the division series. After the second loss in Arizona it was already over. Witnessing the failed scoring chances with the spine-chilling double plays the Cubs hit into and the numerous stranded runners on base was so excruciating...it was like having a knife plunged into your gut as a Cub's fan.
I hear all the time how teams are motivated to excel and reach the highest level of goals. For the Cubs I don't know what the hell it's going to take to drive them...a championship drought of 99 years and counting ought to be ENOUGH!! What astonishes me is no matter how awful the franchise plays or lets down the city the fans sell out Wrigley Field. Nothing results in being bittersweet for them it's always just bitter. Okay the Cubs did win the Central, but what loyal Cub fans are actually happy with that? I guess with the Phillies and Angels getting sweep it takes a little less attention off the Cubs. Then again what do their fans know about misery they haven't waited a WHOLE DAMN CENTURY for a World Series title! Forget about 'wait 'til next year and just postpone the 2008 season for as long as they can find a way to manifest a miracle!
Monday, October 8
Friday, October 5
Cubs in a hole, down 0-2 with little breathing room
Getting all hopes up as a Cubs fan usually is a waste of time. I knew this 07 Cubs team was lucky to enter the playoffs considering how inconsistent their offense was all year long. This aspect of their game haunted them last night in Arizona. Heading back to Chicago they're facing elimination, down 0-2 after last night's 8-4 loss. As mentioned by the TBS broadcasters covering the game the Cubs seemed to have underestimated the D-backs. Then again most of their lineup is filled with virtual unknowns and who would've expected the Arizona bullpen to hold leads so well.
During crunch time the Cub bats have gone silent for the most part in this series. Zambrano did a heck of job in Game 1 and when he left the game in the 7th the Cubs still didn't provide any run support for him. He definitely should've won that game instead of seeing it slip away and the Cubs being defeated 3-1. As a continuation from the regular season the Cubs lineup is leaving way too many runners on base. This has caused them to have forced their backs against the wall and must win 3 consecutive games in order to advance to the second round.
Ted Lilly had nothing working in his favor Thursday night and only pitched 4 innings, yielding 6 runs in the process. Giovanni Soto did crack a 2-run homer in the early innings to give the starter a lead, but after that the batting order failed to scratch another run home until the 7th or 8th with a pinch-hit 2-run double by Daryl Ward. That has to be frustrating for a pitcher, who constantly must be reminded of the score or have it on his mind. Game 1 was a great pitcher's duel between Zambrano and Webb. Unfortunately, Webb gained a few insurance runs from his teammates in the 8th inning. I'm still wondering though why Lou pulled Carlos from the game so soon as he only reached around a 85-pitch count...not sure what the conversation was like on the mound.
The Cubs face more than an uphill battle returning to Wrigley Field for Game 3 and possibly Game 4. Unable to score sufficient runs (with this type of lineup it's unbelievable) pulling off a miracle is what it's going to take. Heck, even last night the D-backs were allowing them to get back in the game when Ojeda bobbled a toss to turn a double-play in the 9th. That left runners on first and second with 1 out. Lee and Ramirez were 1-for-9 in the game and both struck out in their final at-bats. There is no way the Cubs will survive at home if both sluggers duplicate this offensive breakdown.
*As a special feature link for the playoffs Cub fans check out Mark DeRosa's blog and read his thoughts and opinions on the division series.
I'm also a little bothered with the starters for Game 3. Jason Marquis ought to be starting rather than Rich Hill against Livan Hernandez. I know experience hasn't been much of a factor so far, but I like the chances better with veteran vs. veteran. It just makes more sense to me. However, if the lineup doesn't produce enough runs it won't matter who starts Game 3. Winning a low scoring one-run game most likely isn't in the cards for the Cubs. With today off I can only imagine what the players are thinking. I'd like to see a bolt of electricity charge those darn bats (more wishful thinking) or the guys in blue get a surge of adrenaline and ride the momentum. Fight, fight, fight Cubs the crowd is fully behind you at Wrigley! Let's get a win!
During crunch time the Cub bats have gone silent for the most part in this series. Zambrano did a heck of job in Game 1 and when he left the game in the 7th the Cubs still didn't provide any run support for him. He definitely should've won that game instead of seeing it slip away and the Cubs being defeated 3-1. As a continuation from the regular season the Cubs lineup is leaving way too many runners on base. This has caused them to have forced their backs against the wall and must win 3 consecutive games in order to advance to the second round.
Ted Lilly had nothing working in his favor Thursday night and only pitched 4 innings, yielding 6 runs in the process. Giovanni Soto did crack a 2-run homer in the early innings to give the starter a lead, but after that the batting order failed to scratch another run home until the 7th or 8th with a pinch-hit 2-run double by Daryl Ward. That has to be frustrating for a pitcher, who constantly must be reminded of the score or have it on his mind. Game 1 was a great pitcher's duel between Zambrano and Webb. Unfortunately, Webb gained a few insurance runs from his teammates in the 8th inning. I'm still wondering though why Lou pulled Carlos from the game so soon as he only reached around a 85-pitch count...not sure what the conversation was like on the mound.
The Cubs face more than an uphill battle returning to Wrigley Field for Game 3 and possibly Game 4. Unable to score sufficient runs (with this type of lineup it's unbelievable) pulling off a miracle is what it's going to take. Heck, even last night the D-backs were allowing them to get back in the game when Ojeda bobbled a toss to turn a double-play in the 9th. That left runners on first and second with 1 out. Lee and Ramirez were 1-for-9 in the game and both struck out in their final at-bats. There is no way the Cubs will survive at home if both sluggers duplicate this offensive breakdown.
*As a special feature link for the playoffs Cub fans check out Mark DeRosa's blog and read his thoughts and opinions on the division series.
I'm also a little bothered with the starters for Game 3. Jason Marquis ought to be starting rather than Rich Hill against Livan Hernandez. I know experience hasn't been much of a factor so far, but I like the chances better with veteran vs. veteran. It just makes more sense to me. However, if the lineup doesn't produce enough runs it won't matter who starts Game 3. Winning a low scoring one-run game most likely isn't in the cards for the Cubs. With today off I can only imagine what the players are thinking. I'd like to see a bolt of electricity charge those darn bats (more wishful thinking) or the guys in blue get a surge of adrenaline and ride the momentum. Fight, fight, fight Cubs the crowd is fully behind you at Wrigley! Let's get a win!
Monday, October 1
Cubs set to face D-backs in division playoff series
The playoff matchups are almost all set for October. The only two NL teams laying in wake of a postseason birth are Colorado and San Diego, who square in a tie-breaker for the wildcard. It's been memorable season with several high and lows for the Cubs. A week ago I didn't know if they'd survive and clinch then the champagne celebration erupted in clubhouse after finding out they won the pennant. They lost their season finale 8-4 in Cincy, but all anyone cares about is they're headed to the playoffs.
With the worst record coming into the postseason the Cubs have their work cut out for them. They'll play the D-backs in Arizona for Game 1 and 2. Zambrano and Lilly will start for these contests. Power will be a huge asset for the Cubs. They need it to win the series I think. Soriano made an impact in September with 14 homeruns. He leads the team with the most homeruns (33). He's served as a spark plug and motivator in the lead-off role. When he returned to the team late in the season his energy seemed to rub off on his teammates and effect their overall play.
Let's not forget about D. Lee and Ramirez and how steady their bats have been all year. Both have hit over .300 with at least 22 homeruns a piece. Aramis is the team leader in RBIs with 101. Run production from them is also crucial. The guys on the bench like Floyd, Ward, Cedeno, and Pie will be called upon to deliver in clutch pinch hitting roles, defensive purposes, and potential sacrifice bunt or hit and run situations. Everyone has to be on their toes especially the bullpen where holding leads could mean the difference in winning the series. Game 1 of the division series starts Wednesday night in Arizona. You'd be crazy to miss it!
With the worst record coming into the postseason the Cubs have their work cut out for them. They'll play the D-backs in Arizona for Game 1 and 2. Zambrano and Lilly will start for these contests. Power will be a huge asset for the Cubs. They need it to win the series I think. Soriano made an impact in September with 14 homeruns. He leads the team with the most homeruns (33). He's served as a spark plug and motivator in the lead-off role. When he returned to the team late in the season his energy seemed to rub off on his teammates and effect their overall play.
Let's not forget about D. Lee and Ramirez and how steady their bats have been all year. Both have hit over .300 with at least 22 homeruns a piece. Aramis is the team leader in RBIs with 101. Run production from them is also crucial. The guys on the bench like Floyd, Ward, Cedeno, and Pie will be called upon to deliver in clutch pinch hitting roles, defensive purposes, and potential sacrifice bunt or hit and run situations. Everyone has to be on their toes especially the bullpen where holding leads could mean the difference in winning the series. Game 1 of the division series starts Wednesday night in Arizona. You'd be crazy to miss it!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
