JUSTgottaBELIEVE

Going to be tough with Chapman and this is the reason Theo overpaid for him at the deadline but game not over yet

That would have been hilarious if that ball stayed in the park

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Oct 7, 2016 -> 10:19 PM) You may be right, but those first 3 guys are elite defensively which is huge for their overall success. No doubt but I always hear how great this Cubs offense is and while it is good it is nowhere near elite because of the lack of depth once you get past the top half.

Fantastic outing by Cueto. Said it before the series, he has had a lot of success against this Cubs lineup. Now lets see the Giants push across a run.

have a day

Big inning for Cueto here

Ha it's like I'm feeding Smoltz the script

Anyone else think this Cubs lineup is overrated? The top half of the lineup is excellent but the bottom half of their lineup does nothing for me - Russell, Heyward, Baez, Ross

LOL at cueto trying to bunt for a hit

Defense

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 7, 2016 -> 09:15 PM) One of the best teams statistically in history I believe despite the Schwarber effort there I know I read the numerous articles about them being the "perfect" team. We will see how that plays out in October.

Nice job by Lester to pitch over it

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 7, 2016 -> 08:56 PM) Cubs are the same in terms of pitching and defense but have way better bats. Still surprised at how many thinks the Giants will win. That didn't look like stellar defense to me. That ball should be caught.

Posey is such a professional hitter

Defense on cue

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 7, 2016 -> 08:56 PM) Cubs are the same in terms of pitching and defense but have way better bats. Still surprised at how many thinks the Giants will win. Cubs bats have yet to prove they can come through against good pitching in October, as evidenced by their performance last year vs Mets.

QUOTE (fathom @ Oct 7, 2016 -> 08:45 PM) Not sure what stats say, but the Giants easily have the worst lineup of the 8 playoff teams Yes but they make up for it with stellar defense and pitching which is why they are going to win this series in close, low scoring games. Just need their bullpen to stabilize. Hopefully it has with Romo back in the closer role.

My friends and coworkers that are Cubs fans think I'm nuts for calling tonight's game a must win for the Cubs but this series does not set up well for the Cubs if they drop tonight's game. Plus, I've got $100 at 10:1 on the Giants to win the pennant so go Giants!

Has Bochy announced Shark as game 2 starter? I don't see that anywhere. I said it yesterday that it makes much more sense to start Moore with Shark available out of the pen for long relief. Hopefully Bochy agrees with this line of thinking.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Oct 6, 2016 -> 07:52 AM) Like 3 days before the season ended, don't believe he is eligible for the playoffs he is eligible for a world series ring however

QUOTE (JUSTgottaBELIEVE @ Oct 5, 2016 -> 12:35 PM) A matchup with the Giants in the first round is a nightmare scenario for the Cubs. I think the Giants match up better with the Cubs than any other team in the NL. Cueto twice, Moore, and possibly Bumgarner twice if he goes on short rest in game 5. Cubs roster has a career OPS of 525 vs. Cueto and 597 vs. Bumgarner. Giants roster hasn't had much more success against Cubs starters either but in a tight low scoring game anything can happen. Not saying they are a lock to win the pennant but I think the 10:1 line on the Giants advancing to the World Series is the best bet in Vegas right now. We'll see if they can first get past Syndergaard tonight. What a difference one day makes. Those 10:1 odds as of yesterday afternoon are now 4:1 odds.

QUOTE (Buehrle>Wood @ Oct 5, 2016 -> 10:27 PM) Believe it's Lester vs Cueto, Hendricks vs Samardzija, Arrieta vs Bumgarner. Are they going shark over Moore? Why not start Moore and have shark available out of the pen, which clearly is something he's done well earlier in his career

QUOTE (JUSTgottaBELIEVE @ Oct 5, 2016 -> 09:54 PM) At the tender age of 27, Bumgarner is already an all time postseason great. The man is a machine. Good luck with that Cubs. The Cubs better take the first two at home otherwise they are in trouble.

QUOTE (BigHurt3515 @ Oct 5, 2016 -> 10:17 PM) He pitches Game 3 guaranteed. They get tomorrow off then 2 games then another day off. That is 4 days of rest I said in another thread I wouldn't be surprised to see bumgarner pitch in games 3 and 5 (on short rest in long relief).

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 5, 2016 -> 10:13 PM) Maybe Conor and Beckham can prevent the Cubs from advancing. Too bad Madison can't pitch til Game Four. Why? He's going game 3 on normal rest.