Time: 4:30 PM CT
TV: TBS
Series Preview
Gameday
LINEUPS
|
Trea Turner, SS |
Jon Jay, CF |
Will the Cubs win? No, but it could go either way.
538 Forecast: 61% chance of winning
Share this Post
Time: 4:30 PM CT
TV: TBS
Series Preview
Gameday
LINEUPS
|
Trea Turner, SS |
Jon Jay, CF |
Will the Cubs win? No, but it could go either way.
538 Forecast: 61% chance of winning
Share this Post
Comments
I’m surprised they didn’t schedule this game for noon. I have no idea what the weather was in Chicago at that time, but it looked relatively clear until about 4 pm from what I could tell on the app I use.
dmick89Quote Reply
The Cubs tried to, but the Brewers lodged a formal complaint.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
(dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Apparently TBS said no to moving it up to 1pm.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
Why the fuck do they get a say in this?
dmick89Quote Reply
https://media.giphy.com/media/n59dQcO9yaaaY/giphy.gif
MylesQuote Reply
dmick89,
I know some folks who looooooove Rizzoli and Isles.
uncle daveQuote Reply
dmick89Quote Reply
Is that rain rain or just piddly shit
SKQuote Reply
SK,
Mostly piddly shit up until about 8. The amount in inches expected each hour is listed.
dmick89Quote Reply
The reason I showed that is that from 1-4 it was rain free, but apparently TBS doesn’t care. I’m surprised they agreed to 4:30 to be honest.
dmick89Quote Reply
Apparently Chip Caray is a damn, dirty liar disparaging TBS’ good name re: time.
MylesQuote Reply
In terms of inches, what’s average?
EdwinQuote Reply
Hoping they somehow get this in today as the Nats would likely throw Strasburg if Game 4 gets moved to tomorrow.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Well, when you’ve been in the pool, there’s considerable shrinkage.
MylesQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
And then Gio in game 5. Joe already said he’d stick with Arrieta, but I’d be skipping him and going with Hendricks.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I’d go with Hendricks tomorrow as well. But then most of my managerial moves and 2nd guessing during this series have been of the meatball fan variety, so I should probably let Maddon make the call. (dying laughing)
North Side PatQuote Reply
https://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/try-to-tell-the-difference-between-jake-arrieta-and-tanner-roark/
Typical racist media.
EdwinQuote Reply
dmick89,
If Hendricks has 5 days rest, he’s the obvious choice.
EdwinQuote Reply
So the game is delayed. This sucks.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
Hendricks would be on his usual four days rest if he were to pitch tomorrow.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
That’s what I meant. 4 days rest.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Joe has already said Arrieta will start if it’s rained out, which wouldn’t ordinarily be a bad thing, but who knows what shape he’ll be in. Best chance to beat Strasburg would be with Hendricks.
dmick89Quote Reply
Both teams are really stupid for what they’ve done here. If you thought moving it to 4:30 was the best option, and you knew it was a bad option, just postpone the game so 40k people don’t have to come down to Wrigley for no reason.
MylesQuote Reply
This sounds crazy to me, but other than ERA, BB%, and HR/FB%, Tanner Roark has been a better pitcher in the 2nd half than Jake Arreita. Better GB%, better K%, K-BB, K/BB, let’s up fewer LD, throws more strikes, generates less hard contact. For some reason I thought Jake had been doing better in the 2nd half.
EdwinQuote Reply
If it weren’t for even more rain being forecast later, I’d be pretty pleased with this delayed start #stuckatwork.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Myles,
Yep. 12 or 1 was when this game should have started. I can’t believe the Cubs wouldn’t have pushed for that. The Nationals would prefer it be rained out so they probably would have fought against it.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
He’s had a shiny ERA so that’s as deep as most have looked into it.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Surely Bleacher Nation would have given me a more in depth and balanced look instead of just printing sunshine and roses?
EdwinQuote Reply
If they want to get this game in, they’ll play through some rain. Calling a rain delay when it’s not even raining is fucking stupid if they actually have any intention of trying to get it in. They’re just being idiots and hoping the forecast is wrong.
dmick89Quote Reply
Edwin,
Jake has been better in the 2nd half, but not nearly as much as the ERA would suggest. I’m guessing if you look closely he’s performed almost the exact same. maybe he’s stranded more runners or had a lower BABIP or possibly fewer home runs, but that’s about it.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
They’re probably looking at the radar. Best guess is that this storm is going to hit in about half an hour, maybe rain for an hour, then hopefully there’s a window afterwords.
berseliusQuote Reply
any news beyond “it’s delayed for an unspecified amount of time”?
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Obviously the Cubs still have the advantage in the series since they’re up 2-1, but if this is rained out, Washington will have the pitching advantage in both games. They’ll have a huge advantage tomorrow with Strasburg and Arrieta. Joe is an idiot if he doesn’t skip Jake.
dmick89Quote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
Last I saw they’d meet again at 4:30.
dmick89Quote Reply
berselius,
Probably, but I always figure when they’re talking about windows when it’s supposed to rain all evening is that it’s pretty short. I think if you want to play, you accept you’ll play in some rain. If it rains heavily, call a rain delay, but otherwise keep playing. That’s my 2 cents anyway. My opinion is influenced by the fact that I think it will be a big advantage for Washington is the game is rained out so I’d be fine if they played through 40 inches of rain. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
They can decide this game with a water polo match. Though I think we’d need to drag shawn back here to do the analysis (dying laughing).
berseliusQuote Reply
The Brewers agree 100%.
EdwinQuote Reply
Tonight’s Game 4 has been postponed for Wednesday at 3:08 p.m.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Dammit
berseliusQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
Strasburg vs. Arrieta is a joke.
dmick89Quote Reply
Postponed 😐
Ratings first, baseball whenever we get to it.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Here’s your updated Game 4 thread: Cubs lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
But they still lead the series.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I didn’t mean they lose the series, but they’re huge underdogs tomorrow with that matchup. I really can’t believe that Joe isn’t skipping Arrieta.
If the Cubs went with Quintana in game 2, they’d be able to go with Hendricks in game 4 and Quintana in game 5 if necessary.
dmick89Quote Reply
Fuck TBS.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Dusty just said they’re starting Tanner Roark tomorrow (dying laughing)
North Side PatQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
Seriously?
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
Apparently, Stras isn’t feeling well.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
The Dusty press conference just now was pure gold. Said most of the team is sick, blamed A/C in the hotels, talked about how the team now has to change hotels b/c they’d planned to not be there past tonight, etc.
Thank goodness he’s in the opposing dugout.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Apparently Strasburg is sick. Hope it’s a 224 hour flu.
dmick89Quote Reply
Here’s your updated Game 4 thread: Cubs maybe don’t lose.
dmick89Quote Reply
North Side Pat,
Maybe the DC sports curse is real.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Can’t say it’s not well earned. They had a team named after a branch of the US government as if we need more nationalism in this country. They get a do over and they call the fucking team the Nationals. May as well have been Nationalists. The name of their football team is disgusting and their owner doesn’t seem to give a shit. He thinks it’s a point of pride to stand up for his team name rather than change the name so an oppressed group may feel a tiny bit less discriminated against.
dmick89Quote Reply
FWIW, it sounds like that TBS rumor was false, the main issue was not being able to change all the part time stadium staff’s schedules on such short notice.
berseliusQuote Reply
berselius,
Ah fair enough then. Good thing Strasburg is both ill and threw a bullpen today.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
So that could easily change by tomorrow morning.
dmick89Quote Reply
If Strasburg shows up healthy, I have a hard time believing he won’t start.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
No, I’m hearing they’ve ruled him out for tomorrow altogether.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
https://amp.usatoday.com/story/752350001/
Strasburg declined to start tomorrow. Crazy.
dmick89Quote Reply
Dusty: So, you wanna start for us in game 4? We really need ya.
Strasburg: Nah, I’m good.
dmick89Quote Reply
I’m hearing he really is ill, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wenningtons Gorilla CockQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
He probably is. I just think it’s funny. Never heard of a player declining to start before. Sounds funny.
dmick89Quote Reply
I think the significance of this announcement is getting overblown anyway. The Nats have to win with Stras and another pitcher. This announcement means the other pitcher will be Roark and not Gio. This probably helps the Cubs’ chances a little, but not a lot.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I meant that the Cubs lost today yet they still lead the series.
And now maybe they haven’t lost.
I don’t know what the fuck is going on…
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I don’t either. I’m still stuck at Strasburg declining to start.
dmick89Quote Reply
I dunno. I was actually better with the Nats burning Strasburg tomorrow rather than a game 5. But then, I’m also viewing any Arrieta start as an auto-loss right now.
Would much rather draw Gio Gonzalez than Stephen Strasburg in a winner take all in Wash.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
It made sense that MLB didn’t want to start the game even when it wasn’t raining… If they start the game and it rains 30 minutes later, even f there is another window to play 60 minutes later, starters get pulled and it’s a bullpen game all of the sudden. It makes sense that neither the teams, nor MLB, wanted to start the game unless they could get a 90-120 minute window to play.
That said, i’m equally perplexed that the cubs couldn’t gets staff prepared for an early game when weather all week said rain is almost guaranteed for this game. It’s interesting to think that 3 hours earlier is enough to delay a game until the next day.
Re: Roark vs Gonzalez, the difference should be enough to matter, considering a 5% difference in skill level equates to a 5% better chance of advancing. Probably a similar scenario to Perez facing Rizzo instead of Doolittle, except for a 5 innings instead of 1 AB. Assuming we get Roark tomorrow, i’m much happier
sharpchicityQuote Reply
From what I’ve been hearing, the decision to start him on game five was reached by multiple people involved, and was not Stras’s decision alone:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/nationals-journal/wp/2017/10/10/the-nationals-would-have-liked-to-have-stephen-strasburg-start-game-4-they-will-not/?utm_term=.45a834a0701b
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This is probably the biggest reason I’m still a fan of Joe Maddon.
It would have been so easy to say what Maddon said and add something about possibly reassessing the outfield situation. Apparently half the Cubs fans were ready to give up, but joe made it clear that wasn’t happening and then, as he should have, had him in the lineup the next day.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
All the shit about him being a bad fielder come down to inexperience reading the ball off the bat. He did not seem to account for the slice from a lefthander hitting to left field. Now he may never be a good fielder, but he has been competent this year, impressively so.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Does a 5% difference in skill of the pitcher equate to 5% better chance of advancing? I do think the difference matters, but I am hesitant to speak with such approximate certainty.
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
I thought he fielded fairly well this season. I also think part of the problem yesterday was that the wind was blowing across to left field. So it was slicing and being blown further toward the line. It was a terrible play and he even said so, but I think he had a pretty decent season for the most part, especially after he came back from the minor leagues.
dmick89Quote Reply
cerulean,
No idea what it would be, but it would have to greater than 5%.
dmick89Quote Reply
cerulean,
On one of the Fox or MLBnet games earlier this year, the announcers were ragging on Schwarbs’ D and then he made a pretty great play. My young daughter was getting steamed at the announcers, then screamed Take That Announcers! Now she says that every catch he makes.
BVSQuote Reply
dmick89,
At least the Bullets changed their name.
BVSQuote Reply
I am happy because I would have had to miss the game yesterday pretty much from the 1st inning or so.
I am angry because today I am going to miss the first several innings stuck on a plane.
–Coole geschichte, bruder
SKQuote Reply
And it was a mistake. As a muggle, I’m horribly offended.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
John Farrell ———————–> Unemployment Line
The crapshoot puts another notch in its belt.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
No lineup changes from yesterday for the Cubs.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Strasburg to probably pitch now.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Internet rumours are telling me that Strasburg might be starting. I guess Strasburg wants to go his own way.
EdwinQuote Reply
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Maybe Strasburg is doing this for the fans. I mean, players only love you when they’re playing.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Must’ve stayed at a nice ass hotel.
SKQuote Reply
New hotel means less mold. Strasburg now expected to start today
https://twitter.com/jonmorosi/status/918138510753886213?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
> Source: Stephen Strasburg now expected to start Game 4 for the #Nats.
sharpchicityQuote Reply
Not surprising. I figured he’d end up starting. It’s too important a game for him not to. Guess we’ll have to beat Gio tomorrow.
dmick89Quote Reply
I guess Strasburg couldn’t stop thinking about tomorrow.
EdwinQuote Reply
dmick89,
There is no fucking way they can beat Strasburg—he didn’t even give up a hit until the Cubs scored two off of him to win the game. (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
cerulean,
They got a little lucky to get those runs and Hendricks was pitching for the Cubs as he should be today.
I think they can win. Of course they can. I just think it’s very unlike the Cubs win with Arrieta on the mound. I thought he had a chance against Roark.
dmick89Quote Reply
Strasburg sucks. Let’s beat his brains in.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
I bet the Cubs win in a landslide.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
I think they would have to postpone the game again if there is a landslide in the middle of the field.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
That would really bring me down.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Nationals win the electoral college.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I don’t know if we’ll ever be able to break the chain of the electoral college.
EdwinQuote Reply
I hope Strasburg barfs on the mound after giving up back to back to back to back home runs to start the game.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
I’d prefer he give up a couple singles, walk a guy and then give up back to back to back home runs.
dmick89Quote Reply
Perkins,
RynoQuote Reply
dmick89,
Yeah, it’s not like Jay can hit a HR anyway.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Zobrist is now in LF, Heyward in RF. Cubs win probability is about 3%.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I’d have Heyward in center, Zo in right and Schwarb in left.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
Yeah, today is pointless. Thanks caring more about having a fifth game than being fair, MLB.
RynoQuote Reply
Ryno,
Now MLB is making words disappear from my posts. I can’t let them silence me.
RynoQuote Reply
It’s 59 degrees, it finally stopped raining after about 18 straight hours of precipitation, the wind is gusting off the lake and Strasburg is going to be pitching vs. Jake.
Based on zero factual evidence, I say the Cubs win 4-3 and we get to look forward to the return of our old friend Dodgers_In_5.
North Side PatQuote Reply
He was a good luck charm.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
I never got my Christmas card from him last year, I hope he’s doing ok.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
I sent him an email after the series or maybe it was the World Series. I never heard back. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
You guys are so kind to my dude.
Nats_in_2_or_288Quote Reply
I’m going to say the Cubs aren’t going to strike out 10 times in 6.2 innings so soon after facing diarrheaman.
SKQuote Reply
SK,
I agree. They’ll strikeout 14 times in 7 innings.
dmick89Quote Reply
I hope Arrieta remembers how to pitch well.
dmick89Quote Reply
Hey, OV is back.
EdwinQuote Reply
Not yet.
MylesQuote Reply
This Nats lineup seems incapable of scoring runs.
EdwinQuote Reply
Seems like a 5-inning day for Arrieta.
MylesQuote Reply
Jake at 36 pitches through two innings.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Zobrist!!!!!!!!
MylesQuote Reply
Zobrist!
PerkinsQuote Reply
Let’s drive him in please.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Damn, looked like Russell got all of that one.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Strasburg should only throw curveballs to Baez.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Looking good
WaLiQuote Reply
Perkins,
Even with the weather, I’m still surprised that didn’t get out.
dmick89Quote Reply
Russell hit that about as hard as anyone is going to hit a baseball and it still didn’t go out. Damn.
MylesQuote Reply
Turner is about the last person you want to give a double to.
MylesQuote Reply
Strasburg looks vulnerable. We might be able to hang one or two on him. Should be down maybe one or even tied going into the bullpens.
MylesQuote Reply
dmick89,
Yeah, he hit the shit out of it. Too bad it didn’t go out.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Fuck.
MylesQuote Reply
You just cannot give Trea Turner free bases.
PerkinsQuote Reply
No issue with that walk, but wish it didn’t take 7 pitches.
MylesQuote Reply
Definitely seems like a 5-inning game for Jake.
MylesQuote Reply
Marlins Man sighting.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Fuck fuck fuck fuck
MylesQuote Reply
Goddamnit. That check swing on Zimmerman should have ended it. And Russell should have made that play. Fucking hell.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Nope, just a bad call…
…and bad grammar to boot.
ceruleanQuote Reply
What a dogshit way to give up a run.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Some shitty umpiring in this series.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
That was a fucking swing
WaLiQuote Reply
That’s going to be the only run scored in this game.
MylesQuote Reply
Jake on pace for 183 pitch, 0 ER performance.
North Side PatQuote Reply
The Cubs defense reminds me of their defense against the Dodgers in the 2008 LDS.
If they win this series, they’ll be the luckiest fucking LCS team in history.
dmick89Quote Reply
WaLi,
It was. I’m unimpressed by this umpiring crew.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Comfortable zone, ump.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Yeah, the Cubs are losing this game.
MylesQuote Reply
I hope Rizzo hits a line drive off Strasburg’s stomach and causes him to shit his pants on the mound.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Fuck. I think we’re going to see Lackey today.
North Side PatQuote Reply
You know who would have looked really good on a day like this? Kyle Hendricks.
PerkinsQuote Reply
This game is over.
dmick89Quote Reply
Jake is being very careful with Wieters. Does he have him confused with someone else?
EdwinQuote Reply
North Side Pat,
Doesn’t really matter. Probably as good as Arrieta anyway.
dmick89Quote Reply
Did Joe say Arrieta’s command has been good? (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
I want to punch Laz Diaz in the face repeatedly for this strike zone.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Die in a fire, Laz Diaz.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Bullpen, please.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I miss Dominant Jake.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Bullpen. Now.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Terrible bullpen management here. Jake has as much business pitching here as I do.
dmick89Quote Reply
I wonder if Quintana is available today.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Phew.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Huge strikeout. Now please, don’t let Jake go back out there.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Jason Werth – Cubs MVP
North Side PatQuote Reply
Nationals are going to be so pissed when they lose today. Jake was terrible, and they get 1 run.
EdwinQuote Reply
Runs, please.
dmick89Quote Reply
Gotta save him for game 2.
dmick89Quote Reply
Lester up
North Side PatQuote Reply
I don’t think Jake is terrible, but he doesn’t seem to be getting the calls that Strasburg is. I would be okay with letting Jake start the fifth and go until a better reached—unless his spot comes to bat this inning.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jake should not face the third time through the order in a game this important.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Agreed. If Jake is still pitching, I’m out. Time to make dinner if that happens.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Probably.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Lester? Bold strategy, but if he’s pitching in relief, why the hell was Justin Wilson included on the roster?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Duplicate post DPLeeted
PerkinsQuote Reply
Perkins,
To watch from the bullpen during high leverage PAs by Bryce Harper.
BerseliusQuote Reply
It would really be cool if Diaz gave Cubs pitchers the same zone he’s giving Strasburg.
PerkinsQuote Reply
OK, time to fart out a couple of cheap runs.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Ugh.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
God fucking damnit.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Now Lester is hitting. Wonderful.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Lester is batting?
dmick89Quote Reply
and why the fuck is Lester batting here?
PerkinsQuote Reply
Joe is fucking stupid.
dmick89Quote Reply
Fuck balls.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Need runs. Don’t let pitchers hit. Jesus.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
With two outs and this bullpen? I don’t really mind.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Not sure how Joe has ever managed at the big league level without understanding that.
dmick89Quote Reply
I might’ve pinch-hit for Javy, too. His bat sucks against tough righties.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
If he wanted Lester to go more than one inning, he could have pulled a double switch with Zo and Schwarber. Joe knows how to double switch, right?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I am shocked at the incredulity here re Lester batting. Of course he batted. This is Joe Maddon.
ceruleanQuote Reply
I get that this is only an elimination game for the Nationals, but I think a great principle of postseason baseball is not to allow your team to have to play an elimination game. I think Joe missed that memo.
PerkinsQuote Reply
cerulean,
“Incredulity” is not the word I’d use to describe how I feel about it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Nice pitching by Jon, though.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Hot take: let’s score some fucking runs.
North Side PatQuote Reply
First sensible thing I have heard Not-Ernie Ernie or Not-Ron-or-even-other-Ron Ron say all series.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Cmon Bryzzo.
BerseliusQuote Reply
Don’t hit a home run, Rizzo.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
prrrrt
uncle daveQuote Reply
I feel bad for both team’s pitchers. Both sides pitched more than good enough for this series to be over.
dmick89Quote Reply
Hell of a relief outing from Lester. Now score some fucking runs.
PerkinsQuote Reply
5-spot, now. This is not a request.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Score some runs. Now!
dmick89Quote Reply
I would feel bad for the Nationals, but they have had so many opportunities to advance before that I won’t feel bad.
ceruleanQuote Reply
JFC.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Fucking damnit.
PerkinsQuote Reply
How many changeups have the Cubs whiffed on in this game? 30?
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
They had to be expecting it after the first few.
dmick89Quote Reply
Still Lester?
PerkinsQuote Reply
At least the bullpen will be well-rested tomorrow.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Was that just a live video screen behind Strasburg? Is that legal?
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
That pickoff throw was… something.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
(dying laughing) Lester
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Out!
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Lester picked him off.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Got him. (dying laughing)
dmick89Quote Reply
Fuck yeah, Jon Lester.
PerkinsQuote Reply
LESTER!!!! (dying laughing)
ceruleanQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
uncle daveQuote Reply
Great outing by Lester
dmick89Quote Reply
Just saw another shot of the laptop/monitor behind Strasburg. Wtf?
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Will the Nationals go with Doolittle for two?
dmick89Quote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
Sure it wasn’t an iPad?
dmick89Quote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
That’s a lot bigger than an Apple Watch.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
dmick89,
It had live video
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
dmick89,
No need. Madson is really good.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus Christ, Willson.
dmick89Quote Reply
Poor blocking by Contreras.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I miss when the Nats bullpen sucked.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Jesus. Throw strikes.
dmick89Quote Reply
Why have Cubs pitchers been pitching so carefully to Wieters?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Bad CJ today.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I can’t believe Edwards is still pitching.
dmick89Quote Reply
@dmick I just assumed joe wanted edwards to bat in the bottom of the inning
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log in,
Looked back, I guess it was just prerecorded stuff.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Please get out of this inning Wade.
EDIT: Fuck.
North Side PatQuote Reply
Remember when Lester picked off Zimmerman? Good times. That was ages ago.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Why did he wait until 1-0?
dmick89Quote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
You joke, but it wouldn’t be that surprising to see Joe do that.
dmick89Quote Reply
Faaaaack
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Jesus fuck.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Welp.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Wrong team.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jesus, Javy.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
No reason whatsoever for Wade to be here still.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I hate everything.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Assuming the Cubs lose tomorrow, I’d have said going into this series that I wouldn’t be too disappointed if the Cubs lost, but this is a very winnable series that the Cubs have no excuse to lose.
PerkinsQuote Reply
Cubs implosion: engage.
JonKneeVQuote Reply
Meh.
ceruleanQuote Reply
The eighth fucking inning.
uncle daveQuote Reply
With all of the talent they punted away this year it’s insane to me that they didn’t add a single piece to their bullpen (that’s pitched in this series, at least).
uncle daveQuote Reply
Pat you unbelievable fucking optimist
SKQuote Reply
uncle dave,
Wilson was added. And then he shat the bed. Again and again. Uehara was also effective at that time. I am not going to put this on the FO.
ceruleanQuote Reply
Wasn’t it the eighth when they put up a five-spot against the Dodgers?
ceruleanQuote Reply
Barring a comeback for the ages, at least Cyle will be well rested for tomorrow.
North Side PatQuote Reply
So we’re looking at a Lackey start in game 2 in LA if Cubs manage to score a run tomorrow right.
SKQuote Reply
That was a crazy cross-up.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Donut-shaped zone today
EDIT: false alarm
ceruleanQuote Reply
Jesus, Kris.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
cerulean,
If they make moves and guys don’t work out, it’s not on the FO? OK then.
There were actual, bona fide relievers on the market and they failed to nab one. In an era where you need three innings of shutdown pen to win playoff games, that’s malpractice. I don’t generally think that the Cubs FO has been bad, and give credit for what they’ve built. But they’re on the hook for missing this piece of the puzzle.
uncle daveQuote Reply
cerulean,
Sure, and if memory serves it’s where they’ve had a 5+ ERA this year, and where they’ve blown two games out of the four they’ve played in this series. That’s a problem.
uncle daveQuote Reply
The Cubs didn’t have much left in the farm after the Quintana trade. And I’d take Q over a good reliever any day.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
SK,
Too bad they won’t score that run.
dmick89Quote Reply
Pitchers really suck at throwing to bases.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This defense is garbage.
JonKneeVQuote Reply
What’s the point of this pitching change? Getting Wilson some work?
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
This game has been ridiculously long for only five runs scoring.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat, My issue is with the Cubs thinking Edwards and Strop would be good enough as late inning relievers last off-season. I always assumed the Uehara signing was just a favor and that anything the Cubs got from him would be a bonus. I certainly didn’t expect the Cubs to begin the season with him in high leverage situations. Edwards and Strop were predictably frustrating and neither were guys you really wanted to count on. Still, as much as this bullpen sucks, this series is on the defense and offense. They’ve sucked.
dmick89Quote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Just wanted to make me look bad, presumably.
uncle daveQuote Reply
I’d like to say once again: fuck Laz Diaz and I hope he finds himself out of work.
Also it would be great if the Cubs remembered how to score some fucking runs.
PerkinsQuote Reply
dmick89,
Yeah, I wasn’t real thrilled with the decision to rely on Strop-Edwards either, but outside of a handful of middle relievers scattered across 30 teams (that weren’t available, I don’t believe), I don’t trust any of them to be good year to year. I really liked the Wilson add and am still hopeful he can turn it around next year. Not sure what the hell happened once he got to Chicago, but, again, bullpens are hard to build and maintain to begin with. Maybe the pendulum will swing back the other way in 2018. He’s got the ability.
Truth is, regardless of any pen arm they might have added before the deadline, this iteration of the Chicago Cubs baseball team just wasn’t going to be as talented as the team they were ticketed to face in the LDS. They should have probably been swept. Not sure what the hell is wrong with the Nats, but imo they should have made quick work of this Cubs team.
That said, thanks to some good fortune we’ve already forgotten about, the Cubs still have a decent shot to move on to the next team they’re not as talented as for the LCS. Gio Gonzalez scares me not at all. If the Cubes can’t hit him, then they deserve their fate.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
It’s easy to forget that the Nationals are the far superior team, but it’s also easy to forget the Nationals could easily be 4-0 in this best of five. The Cubs could easily be 3-1 too.
dmick89Quote Reply
I don’t get complaining about Strop and CJ, as both had ERAs under 3.00 this year. And the Cubs’ bullpen ERA was third best in the NL this year. My biggest disappointments in the offseason were not getting a better starter than Anderson (they rectified this with the Quintana trade) and replacing Dex with Jon Jay.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
dmick89,
I’m already unable to forgive them for not sweeping the Nats. Game fucking 2 dumbfuck Joe dumbfuckery.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
That’s absurd. The difference between the Nats and Cubs is small, and I think most projections would actually have the Cubs as the better team (they aren’t that different from the team that won 103 games and the World Series last year).
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
You keep saying the Cubs bullpen is good. We’ve been having this talk all season.
dmick89Quote Reply
Yeah this is an entire season of back and forth between (mainly) dm and rtr that I’ve recently enjoyed. The overall season-long numbers really seem to support rtr but the day-to-day to me suggests that dm is correct that the pen is super unreliable.
I guess what I’m trying to say is that there are some very fine people on both sides of this argument.
EnricoPallazzoQuote Reply
EnricoPallazzo,
I’m not sure how many times we have to tell you that there are fine people on MANY sides, but here we are. (dying laughing)
MylesQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
You can disagree all you like, but I don’t believe what I’m saying is absurd. Nats-Cubs offense might be a wash (although I’m thinking not if Bryce Harper is healthy again), but I’d take the Nats pitching staff in a heartbeat.
This can change next year, and the Cubs are more than welcome to become the most talented team in the NL again, but they weren’t that this year, imo. If they advance, I would expect the Dodgers to beat the shit out of them, and if somehow the crapshoot shines on them again and they go to the World Series, I’d expect them to get the shit beat out of them by Houston or Cleveland (if they can find a way to survive the Yankees). This is a solid Cubs team this year, a pretty good one, better than anyone in their own division, but not the best or the most talented in the playoffs right now. And I don’t think that’s even a controversial stance to take, let alone an absurd one.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
It’s not. I think only the Twins were clearly worse than the Cubs. Probably the Rockies too. I think the Cubs were the worst team in any LDS this year.
dmick89Quote Reply
Scherzer is available for multiple innings tomorrow.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
The rain giveth, the rain taketh away. Hopefully, the Cubs can hang a few on Gio before Scherzer can finish warming up.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Too busy/lazy to write a post game, but my main takeaways from this one was that the weather looked fucking miserable, and Strasburg was incredible. Any other complaint is pretty much a rounding error against that. Win tomorrow, fellas.
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Yankees!
dmick89Quote Reply
Wow. Cleveland ousted.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Agreed.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
If I was Dusty, I’d actually start Scherzer and then bring in Gio or Roark based on first inning matchups. I’d be surprised if Scherzer could go more than three, but if the Cubs don’t work the count or get anything going against him he could get through four or maybe even five.
dmick89Quote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
I’m glad they are out and I’m glad the Yankees advance. Win win.
dmick89Quote Reply
Berselius is too lazy to log inQuote Reply
Man. Sucks to be an Indians fan. Cubes get bounced tomorrow, I’ll be mad for about a half minute, then fine (depending on how they get bounced, of course). Last year being forever and all, this year not giving us as good a team as last has made me a little more zen about this postseason (so long as Joe doesn’t do UNNECESSARILY DUMB FUCKING SHIT like Edwards v Harper, Monty v Zimmerman). Can’t imagine how it is for Clevelanders right now. Great regular season, 22 wins in a row, monster roster. Up 2-0 in LDS against an inferior opponent. Waiting all year to get back for another shot after getting so close last year…
Baseball is not very nice sometimes.
Smokestack LightningQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ve been a Cubs fan all of my life, and I never once felt unlucky.
uncle daveQuote Reply
What a bizarre ending. Sanchez dropped the third strike and forgot to tag him, and Jackson forgot to run to first, though he could have made it easily.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
They were celebrating and not paying any attention to him. He probably could have just snuck down to first. Frazier saw it.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
I’m a little annoyed that didn’t happen, actually. It would have been hilarious.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Smokestack Lightning,
If the Cubs lose, I’ll be mad for more than a minute because this is a series they should have put away already. On paper, they’re not quite as good as Washington, but they had no excuse to lose game 2.
But on the whole, I also won’t get too down because of last year. Really sucks to be Cleveland right now.
PerkinsQuote Reply
I’m at peace with the Cubs not advancing. While I know their ceiling is at least as good as any team in baseball, they haven’t played as well as WAS, LAD or HOU (or CLE) this season. This series was definitely winnable (even sweepable), but they could’ve just as easily been swept.
I try to avoid factoring luck into anything, but baseball is the sport most dependent on it. Especially in the postseason. Even last year’s Cubs (which was the best team in baseball) needed a little luck to win the World Series. Luck has worked against them in this NLDS.
Even with luck favoring what I think is a better team, the Cubs have a chance to move on to an NLCS in which I don’t think they belong. And we had some really fun postseason moments. All things considered, no baseball fans have had it better than we have during the last year.
RynoQuote Reply
Now all that bullshit aside, the Cubs just need to go out and win this fucking game today.
RynoQuote Reply
Scherzer is pitching 3 innings today at a minimum. Have to get runs against Gonzalez.
MylesQuote Reply
I’d think 3-4 innings from Scherzer. I’d definitely start him.
dmick89Quote Reply
It doesn’t matter much which innings Scherzer pitches, so I’d start Gio to get a more right-handed lineup and pull him quickly. Scherzer is much better against righties.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
It’s going to take me longer than a minute to get over it. It’s not going to ruin my life or anything. It’s not even going to disrupt my sleep, but I’ll be pissed for awhile. When the Mets swept the Cubs in 2015, I was still pissed even though they weren’t really supposed to be there and the series wasn’t even close at any point. Last year is last year. The WS is great, but it doesn’t change how I feel about this season or any future season one bit. I’ll be pissed because, as bad as they’ve played, I still feel like it’s a series they should have won in three games.
Yeah, the Nationals are better. So are the Dodgers, Indians (so glad they’re out already) and the Astros. Winning another championship was always going to be difficult and nearly impossible going up against the teams they’d have to beat in the postseason, but I still want them to play well and I want them to play as deep as possible. Anything less than a WS championship is going to piss me off even though I knew it was a long shot. Teams don’t get unlimited chances to win titles. As Cubs fans we should know this. It’s entirely possible this is the closest we’re going to get for a long time. An injury to Bryant or Rizzo and this team probably struggles to win 85 games and that assumes they replace Arrieta with someone serviceable. If it’s Jen Ho Tseng or another Brett Anderson, good luck.
dmick89Quote Reply
I can’t even remember the last time the Cubs faced an elimination game on the road.
EdwinQuote Reply
I have zero confidence the Cubs can win tonight unless Hendricks can pitch a 9 inning shutout.
TheVanQuote Reply
TheVan,
I’m not even sure that would do it. If the Cubs can get 20 shutout innings from Hendricks tonight, the Cubs have a 50/50 chance of winning the game.
dmick89Quote Reply
So with Gio, will we see a Zo-Almora-Happ outfield?
JonKneeVQuote Reply
This seems like a series the Cubs will lose, but I’m rationalizing by telling myself all the pressure is on the Natinals because they’re the team with the choker reputation AND they’re playing at home.
RynoQuote Reply
I must say, it’s fun to care about baseball again. It’s even more fun when the outcome of an elimination game won’t determine my mood for weeks.
RynoQuote Reply
JonKneeV,
Did they announce Gio as the starter?
dmick89Quote Reply
Ryno,
The bulk of the pressure is on the Nationals since they’re the better team, they had home field advantage and probably should have won this series in 4 games. I also think there’s some pressure on the Cubs to at least get back to the LCS. An LDS exit will be seen as a disappointment by a lot of people and it probably is.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
I’m not a believer in momentum, but I do believe in the effects of confidence in sports. I would think the Natinals have more confidence than the Cubs at the moment, but I’m guessing the pressure you mentioned will affect them more than the Cubs.
That’s why I think it’s really important that the Cubs strike first tonight.
That’s also why I’d start Scherzer tonight and tell Gio to be ready to take over by the third for fourth inning.
RynoQuote Reply
Yeah, if you’re going to use Scherzer for multiple innings, I have to think starting with him is the best option. What’s the point of bringing Scherzer in for multiple innings if the Cubs are up 6-0?
dmick89Quote Reply
If I were the Nationals, I’d start Roark, with the plan to go to Gio after 1 time through the lineup. That way if the Cubs stack the roster for the RHP, the Nationals can have better platoon advantage for Gio. If the Cubs use some subs to regain the platoon advantage against Gio, the Nationals can bring in Scherzer, and then have their bullpen ready to match up as needed.
EdwinQuote Reply
I guess Scherzer starting makes more sense. Maybe start Scherzer for 2 IP, Gio for 3 IP, Roark for 2 IP, and then bullpen the rest of the way.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
You’d potentially get more value out of using Scherzer as a starter and he’s familiar with that. I can see him easily getting through 3 or 4 innings and maybe even 5. The Cubs haven’t exactly done much against Scherzer and Strasburg in this series and have made it look very easy for them.
dmick89Quote Reply
dmick89,
The only reason I see limiting Scherzer’s innings is he’s on such short rest. I don’t think I’d want him to go more than twice through the lineup.
EdwinQuote Reply
Edwin,
Didn’t Bumgarner throw 5 innings on 2 days rest a few years ago against the Royals? I’m not saying it’s advised, but if the pitch count is as low as I think it will be, I think he could easily cruise through 4, maybe 5.
dmick89Quote Reply
Since Kyle Hendricks lost to Kershaw in the NLCS last year (Game 2) (in a game where he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed 1 run), he was a line against of .177/.253/.190 with a 0.39 ERA and a 0.865 WHIP. Pedro Martinez, in 2000 (his best year and the best single year of pitching in history), had a line against of .167/.213/.259 with a 1.74 ERA and a .737 WHIP.
MylesQuote Reply
dmick89,
He did, but that was also game 7 of the World Series, IIRC. Nothing left to leave on the table at that point. Throwing Scherzer out for a few innings on two days’ rest probably kills any chance they’d have in the NLCS.
I also really don’t get why Hendricks didn’t pitch yesterday to leave Lester for today, but that’s why I’m a consultant and not managing a baseball team, I guess.
PerkinsQuote Reply
There is literally nobody on the roster I would rather have throwing Game 5 for the Cubs than Kyle Hendricks.
MylesQuote Reply
Myles,
When he was coming up in the minors, I figured he’d be a 4th starter at best.
EdwinQuote Reply
Me too. Was a bigger fan of Justin Grimm (dying laughing)
MylesQuote Reply
Now if only the Cubs could score some damn runs
MylesQuote Reply
I am I the only one who doesn’t care about the “gamesmanship” that Dusty is using by supposedly not being forthcoming with his starters? Do hitters need multiple hours of advance notice in order to be ready to properly prepare to play?
EdwinQuote Reply
I kind of think that they don’t use Roark at all today. Who would even be available to start game 1 of the NLCS if Strasburg, Roark, Scherzer, and Gonzalez all pitch on Wed and Thu?
Berselius is too lazy to loginQuote Reply
Apparently Gio is the guy.
EdwinQuote Reply
If the Nats get up 6-0 without Scherzer, they can save him for game 1 of the NLCS.
Rizzo the RatQuote Reply
Rizzo the Rat,
Good point.
dmick89Quote Reply
To day’s baseball squadron:
Jay (LF)
Bryant
Rizzo
Contreras
Almora
Russell
Heyward
Baez
Hendricks
PerkinsQuote Reply
Godspeed my good jabronimen.
See you on the other side.
SKQuote Reply
game thread: http://obstructedview.net/nlds-game-5-cubs-nationals/
dmick89Quote Reply