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MLB playoff open thread

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Illinois

* Have at it.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:43 am

Comments

My summation of Johnny Cueto from yesterday afternoon quickly went to crap last night.

Comment by Team Sleep Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:46 am
Game-time weather looks to be in the mid 60s according to Weather.com. Hopefully the Cubbie blue bats awaken.

Comment by Precinct Captain Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:48 am
In two days time, I plan to make and sell t-shirts depicting a cartoon cub choking and the words: “We bereave!”(R)

Comment by Colin O'Scopey Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:49 am
I just want the Cubs to start playing baseball again …

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:51 am
Good pitching beats good hitting every time. Let’s hope Cubs pitchers feast on home cooking these next few days while Mets pitchers take their turns struggling. The weather in Chicago is supposed to be perfect for baseball these next three days, so Mother Nature is cooperating.

Comment by GA Watcher Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:56 am
Looking forward to going to Game 5 of the NLCS on Thursday with my dad, summoning strength from my inner Gene Hackman. “Alright, listen . . . after Ollie makes his second shot — and you *will* make your second shot.”

Comment by Urbs In Horto Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 11:59 am
Wouldn’t be funny and ironic if the real Cubs were swept by the Mets tomorrow night, Oct. 21, 2015? (the same date that Back to the Future II “predicted” that they would win the World Series).

Comment by Leatherneck Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:03 pm
@Colin

LOL!!!!

Comment by #5 Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:04 pm
The Cub fans have sure be silent the last few days. I miss their chest thumping and declarations the power in the Central Division has shifted to the Cubs and would remain there for years to come.

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:04 pm
I expect the Cubs to score a few runs tonight but not enough to beat Mets ace deGrom.

I didn’t realize until the other night that former Sox closer Addison Reed was on the Mets now.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:07 pm
I may watch Back to the Future instead of game four, as it could be less painful.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:09 pm
== The Cub fans have sure be silent the last few days. I miss their chest thumping and declarations the power in the Central Division has shifted to the Cubs and would remain there for years to come. ==

I certainly don’t speak for all Cub fans, but I sure as heck haven’t said anything of the sort.

Comment by thunderspirit Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:09 pm
Lots of gloating and Cubs shaming for a NLCS that is still to be decided.

Comment by After Further Review Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Cubs versus Blue Jays would be a good World Series.

Comment by Scamp640 Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:14 pm
- Leatherneck - Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:03 pm:

Cardinals fan, right?

Comment by L.A. Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:14 pm
=Lots of gloating and Cubs shaming for a NLCS that is still to be decided.=

Sorry that you are the last to know: it’s decided.

Comment by Colin O'Scopey Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:18 pm
A significant amount of their fan base honestly thought they went straight to the World Series after beating the Cardinals. Then there are the ones who told me, “I don’t care if we win another damned game as long as they beat the Cardinals.”

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:18 pm
===and Cubs shaming===

Oh, for…

So, you’re a protected class now?

Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:20 pm
Not feeling particularly hopeful, but, hey, Toronto came back from 2 spankings by the Royals and won handily last night in the ALCS, so it’s possible.

Comment by Curious Georgina Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:20 pm
==Lots of gloating and Cubs shaming for a NLCS that is still to be decided.==

I agree. It’s been only 2 games out of a 7 game series and already people are throwing their fists below the belt. That’s usually how people react when their dreams have been destroyed by the enemy.

It’s alright, though. I still am hoping for the best!! GO CUBS!!

Comment by Vanessa Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:25 pm
==I miss their chest thumping and declarations the power in the Central Division has shifted to the Cubs and would remain there for years to come.===

Nothing that has happened in the last two games versus an NL East opponent change would change this assertion. There will be great 3-way races for the next 3-4 years, but… yes the power has absolutely shifted.

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:28 pm
Hope to see Soler in tne lineup. He was a catalyst in the three wins against the Cards.

Give Me, I’m pretty sure the Cubs are the only NL Central team left in the playoffs. So, there’s that.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:30 pm
Lloyd Christmas: What do you think the chances are of the Cubs winning the NLCS… and them ending up in the World Series?

Mary Swanson: Well, Lloyd, that’s difficult to say. I mean, the pitching isn’t there and the bats have gone silent…

Lloyd Christmas: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! The Cubs fan base has waited a long time just to see this day, Mary. The least you can do is level with me. What are their chances?

Mary Swanson: Not good.

Lloyd Christmas: You mean, not good like one out of a hundred?

Mary Swanson: I’d say more like one out of a million.

[pause]

Lloyd Christmas: So you’re telling me there’s a chance… YEAH!

Comment by Colin O'Scopey Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:30 pm
Oh lord please them win. I don’t think Soccerdad will be able to withstand another crushing loss to the Mets. I mean it — I don’t know if our family can get through this intact.

Comment by Soccermom Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:35 pm
Crain’s has a story on the history of the W flag today. The end was funny, not as funny as the ==protected class== comment above, but still

==The company sold more W flags during the regular season than it did in the previous 6 1/2 years—and more during the first week of the playoffs than during the regular season, with most purchases in and around the Chicago area.

“If they lose it will stop,” said Don Strom of Advertising Flag Co. in Chicago. “We underbought because of past seasons what’s happened with both the Cubs and the (White) Sox.”

But Strom’s company has every eventuality covered if the Cubs fall short. “We make the L flags,” he said. “South Side Chicago Sox fans are the ones purchasing those.”==

Comment by Formerly Known As... Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:39 pm
Can we please play the dang game already, the waiting around is the hardest part!!!!

Comment by L.A. Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:43 pm
Of course, some Sox fans are buying “L” flags. Why didn’t I try to cash in on that inferiority complex?

I’ll never understand it, but a buck’s a buck.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:45 pm
==Hope to see Soler in tne lineup. ==

Soler is back in according to Maddon on 670AM this morning.

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Who is this Maddon you speak of? I thought he was only addressed as Messiah?

Comment by Give Me A Break Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:55 pm
Any Cubs fan who does not want to be shamed should not be on a Capitolfax MLB thread.

You enter at your own emotional risk.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:00 pm
I must have missed it, have a lot on my plate.

When do the Cards and Sox play this week?

Comment by Endangered Moderate Species Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:00 pm
- Wordslinger - Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 12:30 pm:

“Hope to see Soler in tne lineup. He was a catalyst in the three wins against the Cards.”

Solar has had a hard time coping with the cold. He’s wears everything short of a parka to try and stay warm. Castro isn’t far behind. Warmer weather will defiantly be in the Cub’s favor. I’ve been a Cub’s fan over 40 years and watched them lose in every playoff they’ve been in. I can take another losing effort but this series isn’t over. They have the talent to take the next 4. I won’t give up hope until the last out of the last game. It’s what we fans do….

Comment by Mouthy Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:03 pm
==Who is this Maddon you speak of? I thought he was only addressed as Messiah?===

Don’t know anyone who calls him that, but in a week you’re welcome to call him by his new nickname “NL Manager of the Year”

Comment by Jimmy CrackCorn Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:03 pm
The Cubs are akin to the favorite son who remains beloved no matter how many times he fails and underachieves.

The Sox akin to the resentful stepchild who is never happy unless everyone else is miserable.

When the Cubs do badly they change managers. When the Sox do badly, they change uniforms or switch radio stations.

Comment by Marcia, Marcia, Marcia! Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:10 pm
St. Louis Card fans should cheer up — at least tney ain’t Louisville Cards fans today.

How is it possible that people are unaware of the recording capabilities of cell phones?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:20 pm
Fat lady ain’t even at the show yet. Keep your shirt on. Hold your horses. Take’er easy hoss. Slow it down there Parnelli Jones. Chillax.

Cubs need only win 4 out of 6. Easy peazy lemon squeezy.

Comment by Nick Danger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:21 pm
Nick, it’s a seven-game series.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:26 pm
I’ll be at tonight’s game, so I’m rooting for no rain. Had you told me in April I’d be watching the Cubs in the NLCS, I’d have called you crazy, yet here we are.

If the Cubs lose, it’ll be because they got beat by a better team. Doesn’t matter. It’s baseball.

To have this Cubs team still playing in October is like gambling with house money. Nobody loses.

Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:34 pm
Well there is that…. WS

Comment by Nick Danger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:35 pm
==Who is this Maddon you speak of?==

He is the manager who came into his own in Tampa, the city where the White Sox were prepared to move to before Madigan stopped the legislative clock and provided the team with a taxpayer subsidized stadium with a sweetheart leasing agreement.

Comment by After Further Review Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 1:40 pm
==Can we please play the dang game already, the waiting around is the hardest part!!!!==

–L.A.

“I wouldn’t mind your hanging, boys, but you wait in jail so long.”

–J. Garcia

Comment by They're Toast Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 2:00 pm
I’ve been invited ( and plan to attend ) a Southern Illinois watching party for the game tonight. Can’t wait to see who else is there from Cardinal Nation! Hoping to see a great game.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 3:42 pm
How has the power shifted in the NLC? The broken down Cards won 100 games, had the best record in baseball. The Mash Unit Cardinals lose a 5 game series to the Cubs. So, that is the power shift????

LOL

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:06 pm
And lest I remind you Jimmy Krackkorn—-

2011 World Series Champs
2012 1 game from making the WS, losing to champs
2013 World Series
2014 Beaten in NLCS by eventual WS Champs

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:12 pm
What’s a “power shift” in baseball? Is that like the Jim Thome Shift?

Or is it just some sort of meaningless term you throw around when your sense of entitlement is violated after getting knocked out of the playoffs?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:13 pm
anon - I suspect our deep loyalties are with the same team! No apologies whatsoever for the Cards this year, but they lost to the better team when it mattered most.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:23 pm
Entitlement? Look at the records Sparky. Look at the accomplishments.

Win something or somethings and then puff your chest out.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:23 pm
illini—I agree, the Cards got beat by the better team at the end. Cubs performed, Cards didn’t.

But, it is ridiculous to say there has been a power shift. Cubs stayed healthy, Cards didn’t.

I realize Cubbie fans want to win so badly, but have some perspective.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:25 pm
Sparky was a Reds and Tigers fan.

Kid, if you make it so easy for someone to yank your chain, they will.

Keep us up to date on any “power shifts” or disturbances in The Force.

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:29 pm
anon - barring injuries or unanticipated trades of key players, the NL Central will still have the 3 best teams in all of MLB. And the Cards will be there contending, but for now I am pulling for the Cubs.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:34 pm
==Any Cubs fan who does not want to be shamed should not be on a Capitolfax MLB thread.==

Shamed? I’d say bite me if someone else didn’t own the term.

Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:36 pm
The Cubs of yore had a lot of overpriced talent that was underperforming, mixed in with some marginal players. This batch has a bunch of players yet to come into their prime at a bargain price (much like the Mets) and a ready checkbook that will hopefully make better decisions than previous administrations. Luck and health plays into it always, but the NL Central, with the always-smart Cardinals Way, the prudent PIT management that always seems to find great players in a small market, and now the Cubs, looks to be a thriller for the next decade. Let’s not forget the Cubs won against the team with the 2nd best record for the right to enter the playoffs, and won against the team with the best record for the right to continue. No shame at all in this season, no matter how it turns out.

Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:48 pm
Ah Word, I am such a Kid, I can recall the Cards WS titles in ‘64 and ‘67 and appearance in ‘68. Their WS titles in ‘82 and ‘06 and their appearances in ‘85 and ‘04.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:49 pm
Seen a lot of “power shifts” in that time?

Comment by Wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 4:59 pm
Nice strawman.

Comment by anon Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 5:10 pm
Wordslinger - we are both having some fun with this thread today. Glad Rich keeps opening these topics for comments - it is much much easier to comment here than on the truly important topics impacting Illinois.

Granted, I am a political junkie but am also a fan of the Cards, Fighting Illini, Bears and Bulls. Unfortunately when I get to the “political” topics I am usually last getting on and you, OW and a few other commenters have already stolen my thunder, yet I still try to add to the dialogue, and hopefully have been able to do so as with this thread.

Comment by illini Tuesday, Oct 20, 15 @ 5:25 pm
Illini, KC is pretty doggone good.

Comment by anon Wednesday, Oct 21, 15 @ 7:10 am