Let’s Talk About Cubs Pitching Come Playoff Time
I’m finding it difficult to write about anything other than the post-season. Call me crazy, start writing in about the Cubs inevitable collapse if you’d like — but I still think there’s no way they won’t be in the playoffs. Wildcard maybe, but in the playoffs nonetheless.
That said, before I get into the post-season topic burning my mind, I liked the six players the Cubs called up yesterday when rosters expanded. I love the September roster expansion. Gives playoff contenders a chance to rest some of their regulars and stay fresh and it gives teams out of the hunt an opportunity to see some of their future talent. Either way, it encourages every organization to put strong emphasis on having a deep farm system. As the Yankees continue to prove again and again, it’s not always about the money you spend if you don’t have quality prospects to bring up (or use as trade bait) to the big club. I could take this into a conversation about how baseball’s Luxury Tax is a far more brilliant system than the NFL or NBAs Salary Cap, but I digress…that’s probably an off-season discussion.
Yes, the Cubs called up the inevitable third catcher in Koyie Hill, big bat Micah Hoffpauir, every position Casey McGahee and three arms: Wuertz, Lieber and Angel Guzman.
Guzman is certainly the most intriguing; he has the stuff to have a similar impact as Samardzija. We’ll see if he can put it together. I think Pie will be up after Iowa is finished in the playoffs. I think we could use him as a pinch runner for sure…
So playoffs. Lots of discussion about the rotation. Especially in a short 5 game set. Here’s my opinion, let me know what you think. Assuming we win the division, I go Zambrano, Dempster, Harden. Here’s why. Starting with Zambrano may not make much sense given his performance lately, but putting Dempster in the two spot also puts dempster in the game five slot and let’s face it, he’s our best. Allowing Harden to go #3 puts him in position to start the first game on the road. Harden has been flat our nas-tay since joining the Cubs and is probably their most dominant starter, why not run him out there for the first road content, especially if it’s in Arizona.
What about Lilly you say? Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten him. Lilly could be used in Game 4 if the Cubs win the first two games, but I’d prefer to him used as first out of the bullpen as a completely different look from the hard throwing right-handers. Let’s face it, Piniella will not let any of his starters collapse in the playoffs; give up four runs in three innings and you’ll get the hook – in comes Lilly.
Lou knows the key will be keeping it close with this comeback-prone offense.
And yes, I intentionally did not talk about instant replay, at least not right now.
Ok, so they’re using it for home run calls, it’s certainly worth testing out…but let’s not take it too far.
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Oh, by the way, the “Champaign County YMCA” no longer exists. The official name is now the “Stephens Family YMCA” (the website has not been updated, but check out the latest program guide). And no, it’s not just the name of the building. It’s the name of the organization.
Very inspired Photochops as well….
Props on the new YMCA dig. I think it’s a terrible spot for it, but then again, I’m not well-to-do and I’m not willing to drive 15 minutes at $4/gallon to exercise for an hour.
http://motorcycle-intelligence.com/do-loud-pipes-save-lives/1119/ Are you a smoker, too? I feel like I’m just getting recycled arguments.
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/dangerous_motorcycle_safety_myths/index.html “Myth 2: Loud Pipes Save Lives”
Yes, I also love the idea of the downtown! However, the “turds” that ride Harley’s or any other motorcycle have the right to ride their motorcycles regardless of the “loudness” anywhere they want. They are buying gas, hence they are contributing to the motor fuel tax that…
Yup, this was the year I realized there’s no way this is my last CU marathon, even though I’m gradumacating next week.Where else am I gonna get cheered on by 70+ year old heart-of-gold volunteers who smile at me so genuinely I could believe I’m their granddaughter?…
I always have a good, but disappointed, laugh when marathon time creeps up and I start seeing posts on the WCIA Facebook page lamenting race day and how difficult it is to get around town that day. One this year said, “can’t they just go run in…
Reminds me of Total Football (soccer) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_Football
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Get yours early. The Rave’s CD will be available at Exile and at The C-U Flea on Saturday. C-U Flea details here: http://www.smilepolitely.com/news/sp_radio_podcast_c-u_flea_arrives/
I don’t know about Gerard and a random police sargeant. My (mild) outrage is based on this: “...he worked closely with Champaign City Clerk Marilyn Banks to make sure he was licensed properly as a transient food peddler, filling out the necessary paperwork and paying a $225…
Local Yocal pretty much nails it here. I suspect there will be merchants who oppose food trucks because they arguably don’t pay their fair share to locate their trucks in high traffic (high rent) areas. The food trucks take away business from rent payers, park in city…
Oh nice! I’d totally vote for Matt Campbell!
“Smile Politely sports writer announces candidacy for city government.”
I also got to visit Big Grove Tavern during the soft open and definitely enjoyed the pork belly the most of all the dishes I sampled. The cheesy grits and the vinegary pickled vegetables were a perfect compliment to the rich pork belly.
The Alan Partridge lookalike on the right in the first small photo has nothing to condescend to anyone about. AH HA!
Snell and the little Hitlers of the neighborhood association need to chill out. Legitimate businesses should have the freedom to exist without having to endure the slings and arrows of ignorant and misguided opposition.
represent, Matt.
Yeah, I’d agree that Transporter Room 3 is the worst house venue I’ve ever seen.
Food trucks are the start-up, small businesses of the future for those unable to afford real estate. No surprise, that merchants who pay rent, utilities, and maintenance on a property would despise the traveling competition. Or developers who build more empty retail spaces would want to close…
Not so much far-right Tea Party as a balanced, moderate viewpoint between letting businesses succeed and protecting society with reasonable regulations. In spite of what the city reps are saying, the interpretation of policy on this issue certainly has changed. Letting a business start up under one…
I think it’s neat that SP has turned rightward, now espousing a Tea Party-style frustration with government regulations & taxes.
This makes me so sad. (Happy to live in Urbana, though!) Crave Truck has been a GREAT addition to the food choices in C-U, and it’d be a travesty to chase them away. This town should be supporting small businesses. I’m glad to hear that they’ll still…
*slow. clap.* Still offering no threat of intelligence…. I know I said I thought you should just write this whole column yourself next year, Isaac, but now that you’ve gone and taken a “part deux” run at it, I’d like to modify my request: Best Music 2013,…
Actually, it’s kind of nice, the quiet. John Heoffleur’s engaging commentary/dialogue is sorely missed, however. In lieu of someone intelligent saying something, I’ve compiled a list of Honourable Mentions: BEST ROCK BAND: Take Care ::these gentlemen have four completely different sets at their disposal right now (which…
What? Echo! (Echo!) Where’s the dischord and dissent?
This weekend will mark the first appearance of Kayla Brown’s Fire Doll Candle booth at the Market. Check it: http://www.facebook.com/firedollcandles
And without bloodshed. Sounds like the Savoy trustees aren’t as narrow-minded as some of their whiny pants constituents. Do you think quack Snell is already planning an asinine counterattack or is he still laying low after those “threats” against his person?
hey, if hair ain’t gon’ be over your head, my jokes may as well be.
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@Dan - Wow. Unfortunately, I have to refrain from further comment due to a previous employment relationship. But with that brief context you might be able to imagine possible comments or responses I could have.