Cubs unable to bail out Mets, Sabathia just too impressive

One final game held in the balance for two teams vying for the NL wildcard. The Cubs battled the Brewers in Milwaukee Sunday, not with any pressure to win really, but playing the role of spoilers. Lou Piniella opted to use several of his reserves off the bench and much of bullpen in the last game of the regular season. Missing in the lineup was Mark DeRosa, Jim Edmonds, and Geovany Soto. Plus Zambrano was scratched from starting as no pitcher used went longer than 2 innings on the mound. It was just the opposite for the Brewers, who stayed with C.C. Sabathia the entire way. Real smart move since the big southpaw keep his team alive and shut down the Cubs' lineup after giving an unearned run in 9 innings.

With the 3-1 outcome to give the Brewers the wildcard since the Mets' lost at Shea it's set up for the Cubs to face the Dodgers in the division series. With the momentum shifted in Milwaukee's favor it's actually works out for the best that the two Central teams don't meet in the first round. Since the Brewers have got hot all of a sudden with Ryan Braun hitting the daylights of the ball with game-winning homers and Sabathia maybe being the most dominant pitcher in the playoff mix they're going to being a threat against any opponent. Although I picked the Mets to win the wildcard the Brew Crew deserves this chance. Cubs fans can relate to long droughts and not entering the postseason in 26 years is quite a lengthy absence.

Moving towards the playoffs the Cubs have already decided to keep Jeff Samardzija on the roster. They will need his arm in the pen. That leaves a few other openings. The way Hoffpauir has hit I think he belong on that roster as well. Seeing him enter games in pinch-hitting spots could really help the team with run production. I feel the same way about Fontenot and Cedeno coming as replacements or getting those at-bats here and there. DeRosa is dealing with a strained left calf yet will probably be ready for the opening game this week against the Dodgers. The main focus is being prepared this first round series and having guys healthy. The Cubs finished the regular season with a 97-63 record, three off from the historic number I had anticipated. That's fine because it's PLAYOFF TIME and the Cubs are ready to deliver! Go Cubs, let's make history!