Counting down from Lucky 13
With last night’s win over the Cardinals, the Cubs lowered their magic number to 13. It’s only 9 to clinch the Wildcard. That being said, it’s a lot nicer to lower that number with wins than counting on Brewer losses. I really don’t relish going to Milwaukee for the last three games of the season with the division still in play. We’ll probably have to face Sabathia and Sheets twice more this season, both home and away. At least if we face the Brewers in the playoffs, our batters will have gotten some good looks at these excellent pitchers.
Lou had his annual blow-up after the Cubs blew the game on Tuesday. Last year’s tirade seemed to turn around the play and fortune of the team. Let’s hope the same happens this year and the team finishes up the regular season on a strong note. Lilly certainly did his part last night, as have most of the starting pitchers during this tough stretch. It’s the bullpen that’s starting to freak people out, along with missed offensive opportunities.
Pie was called up and got the start in center last night. He obviously learned something in Iowa, as he walked twice, had a single and batted in a run. I certainly don’t want to see him in there every day, but Edmonds and Johnson have both been banged up, so it’s nice to have a capable backup on the bench.
I’ll write more on the upcoming hurricane game as decision are made by MLB. I can’t believe that they’ll send the Cubs into the path of a hurricane just to protect the Astro’s owner’s pocketbook. The game should be moved to a neutral site. How can they fly the Cubs into Houston to play baseball as the city is being evacuated?! More later…