***2016 MLB Playoff thread: Cubs win for first time since sliced bread hit market (1 Viewer)

[Limp Ditka]

At first glance that is pretty shocking.  Then you remember...... 108

They've been there a few times since, Abner.

 

[B Maverick]

At first glance that is pretty shocking.  Then you remember...... 108 years

(have then been in the series since?)

They've been there a few times since, Abner.

yeah I edited after posting.  108 since they won... when was their last appearance?

 

[Limp Ditka]

yeah I edited after posting.  108 since they won... when was their last appearance?

'45.

Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in '47

 

[TobiasFunke]

I just had a friend on my facebook feed express shock that Dexter Fowler will be the first black player to play in the World Series for the Cubs.

Fowler is aware of this, was also surprised and seems pretty psyched about it, especially since he'll be the first Cubs player this year to actually play in the Series:

 



 

Dexter Fowler Verified account ‏@DexterFowler


Dexter Fowler Retweeted Rany Jazayerli

Wow... speechless. Thanks for sharing this fact. I will carry it with me



Rany Jazayerli ‏@jazayerli


How appropriate that the first Cub to play in the WS will be a black man (Dexter Fowler) - they weren't even allowed to play the last time.

 

[Dickie Dunn]

I heard it explained a few years ago, probably by Uncle Bud, that the reason they don't use best record to determine homefield advantage for the WS is they like to have a few days to logistically prepare for a city to host (or two cities, if the host league's WS rep hasn't been determined yet). If that sounds like a dumb reason, there you go.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Cubs are the best thing since sliced bread, which debuted in 1912! 

 

[Northern Voice]

I heard it explained a few years ago, probably by Uncle Bud, that the reason they don't use best record to determine homefield advantage for the WS is they like to have a few days to logistically prepare for a city to host (or two cities, if the host league's WS rep hasn't been determined yet). If that sounds like a dumb reason, there you go.

 

 

[Dickie Dunn]

I didn't say it was a good reason. Just swear I heard it explained that was why they used to have alternating homefield advantage, and why they like to know ahead of time which league will get Games 1-2. 

 

[RnR]

Come back to the baseball forum, you #######s. It's the ####### World Series. ####.

 

[RnR]

Join me, friends. https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/topic/750208-official-2016-world-series-thread-make-the-baseball-forum-great-again/

 

[Capella]

Join me, friends. https://forums.footballguys.com/forum/topic/750208-official-2016-world-series-thread-make-the-baseball-forum-great-again/

again?

 

[Limp Ditka]

 

[Bobcat10]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/jon-lester-held-an-epic-party-with-eddie-vedder-to-celebrate-the-cubs-going-to-the-world-series-003512736.html?soc_src=mail&soc_trk=ma

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Whatever I have left in my account, put it on the Indians +175.  Thanks

DD

 

[Doctor Detroit]

So this guy I've known for 12 years changed his Facebook profile picture to one of him in a Cubs shirt standing in front of Wrigley. 

As long as I've known this guy, I've never talked baseball with him and I worked with him for five years.  I'm a huge sports nerd, I will talk sports with anyone, anywhere, anytime.  He is a 49ers fan, like a passive fan, but I've even been to baseball games with him and never talked baseball. 

On October 24th, 2016 I find out he's a Cubs fan.  Neat world, the same world that had Boston Red Sox hats magically appearing at bars in Michigan in November of 2004. 

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

But the way I see it if they use him at DH they effectively lose a roster spot for the middle three games of the series, which are played consecutively and thus the ones most likely to require use of the whole team.  Is that worth it for what is, at best, a very small upgrade to the starting lineup for Games 1,2, 6 and 7?  And it's not even clear to me that it's an upgrade- Contreras' 2016 numbers are basically identical to Schwarber's 2015 numbers and he'd be the DH for the first two games with the starters going with their preferred catchers.

It looks like Schwarber will take the place of Rob Zastryzny, a lefty borderline LOOGY but mostly mop-up type. I don't think Schwarber will impede Contreras at all, but rather Chris Coghlan will now probably not see many AB's this series.   

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I agree with you, so we're probably both 100% wrong. But the way I see it if they use him at DH they effectively lose a roster spot for the middle three games of the series, which are played consecutively and thus the ones most likely to require use of the whole team.  Is that worth it for what is, at best, a very small upgrade to the starting lineup for Games 1,2, 6 and 7?  And it's not even clear to me that it's an upgrade- Contreras' 2016 numbers are basically identical to Schwarber's 2015 numbers and he'd be the DH for the first two games with the starters going with their preferred catchers.

WHAT'S UP WITH THAT LOGIC????????? Seems like dumb logic, your logic sucks.  /Tobias

Ross plays game 1 because he's Lester's catcher, but in game 2 and 6/7 you get Schwarber AND Contreras.  Also Schwarber's is the all-time Cubs post-season HR champ and his minor league numbers crush Contreas'.  If both players are healthy I'd take Schwarber 150 times out of 100, and 400 out of 100 over Ross.  You do the math, Schwarber is goooooooood. 

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Tried to PM you Kevorkian but can the nats fix Harper's swing?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Tried to PM you Kevorkian but can the nats fix Harper's swing?

Too many moving parts and they are scared to death of changing anything.  So no, they can't.

Yankees can though I guess, we'll see in 2019. 

 

[Good Posting Judge]

All-catcher lineup would be pretty sick.

 

[money.never.sleeps]

Too many moving parts and they are scared to death of changing anything.  So no, they can't.

Yankees can though I guess, we'll see in 2019. 

Alot power left in the tank if he corrects certain parts.  He's to good.

How do u feel about Giolito and Contreras?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Too many moving parts and they are scared to death of changing anything.  So no, they can't.

Yankees can though I guess, we'll see in 2019. 

Alot power left in the tank if he corrects certain parts.  He's to good. 

Well that's the rub, his pitch recognition is IMO superior to anyone in baseball and he's barely 24 years old.  2015 Harper is better than Trout, but the calling card of a super star is consistency.  Harper underachieves because the Nats millennial the whole organization, a bunch of soft surfaces and participation trophies.  Harper's swing is violent and everything is moving, someone needs to tell him he might try and not do that.  He'll get $400 million because he's the best raw talent in baseball, problem is he's still raw. 

 

[tjnc09]

Who do you think has the most value at MVP if Cleveland wins?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Who do you think has the most value at MVP if Cleveland wins?

Lindor or Kipnis IMO.  Napoli a sleeper pick, he comes up with big hits and stuff. 

 

[Capella]

what kind of rehab has Schwaber done? Crazy to get your first live at-bats in the World Series 

 

[TobiasFunke]

WHAT'S UP WITH THAT LOGIC????????? Seems like dumb logic, your logic sucks.  /Tobias

Ross plays game 1 because he's Lester's catcher, but in game 2 and 6/7 you get Schwarber AND Contreras.  Also Schwarber's is the all-time Cubs post-season HR champ and his minor league numbers crush Contreas'.  If both players are healthy I'd take Schwarber 150 times out of 100, and 400 out of 100 over Ross.  You do the math, Schwarber is goooooooood. 

1.  Arrieta prefers Montero (and then Ross, from what I can tell from a quick google). So in Games 2 and 6/7 you're either forcing Arrieta to work with a catcher that's not his preferred one or bumping Contreras from the lineup at the DH spot for Schwarber.

2.  I'd take a healthy Schwarber who is in midseason form at the plate over Contreras.  We have no idea if that's what the Cubs are actually getting. Obviously the Cubs front office knows much better than I do about both things, but if we just deferred to them that would be no fun!

3.  I don't think it's going to matter because the Cubs are simply much better at baseball than the Indians.  But if it does it's probably because the series has gone long and included a bunch of close games, and having a guy on your 25 man who can't field or run is a mild inconvenience in such games. Not a big one, and the chances of it mattering are fairly remote, but a mild one.

 

[Cjw_55106]

Its clear to me I'm a jackass. That being said, the more I hear and see coverage of Cub fans, the more I hope they lose. I know, I disgust myself. 

 

[Grahamburn]

Its clear to me I'm a jackass. That being said, the more I hear and see coverage of Cub fans, the more I hope they lose. I know, I disgust myself. 

Every fan-base has them.  A more nationally exposed team like the Cubs has even more of them.  I've seen more brand new Cubs merchandise in the last two weeks than I care to count.  It's obnoxious.  It's also what makes sports fun though.  If every fan had to be a die hard the stadiums would all look like Tropicana Field.

 

[Cjw_55106]

The sad part is, the fans themselves arent bad. I'm just a broken human being. Its like I revel in their misery. I see a 60 year old guy tearing up and instead of being empathetic, I think, "what a loser". Its a baseball game. 

 

[Bobcat10]

Lindor or Kipnis IMO.  Napoli a sleeper pick, he comes up with big hits and stuff. 

Kipnis is a bit hobbled after spraining his ankle celebrating the last series win.  Should be good to go, but there were rumors yesterday he would possibly miss game 1.

I'd throw Jose Ramirez in the value mix.  He didn't do much in the TOR series, but who did?  He had huge hits all year and would be one of those under the radar type guys to have a big series.

 

[pantagrapher]

Every fan-base has them.  A more nationally exposed team like the Cubs has even more of them.  I've seen more brand new Cubs merchandise in the last two weeks than I care to count.  It's obnoxious.  It's also what makes sports fun though.  If every fan had to be a die hard the stadiums would all look like Tropicana Field.

I've seen a lot of brand new National League Champions shirts, but that doesn't bother me.

 

[pantagrapher]

Still waiting for the official announcement on Schwarber before I believe it.

 

[Peak]

Kipnis is a bit hobbled after spraining his ankle celebrating the last series win.  Should be good to go, but there were rumors yesterday he would possibly miss game 1.

I'd throw Jose Ramirez in the value mix.  He didn't do much in the TOR series, but who did?  He had huge hits all year and would be one of those under the radar type guys to have a big series.

I think you could Miller to that list as well.  I think Lindor and Ramirez are logical choices, with Kip, Nap, and Chiz as possible sleepers.  But if we are talking most valuable for a series win, I think Miller will have a few more of those big moments.  It's between him and Lindor for me.

 

[ChiefD]

3.  I don't think it's going to matter because the Cubs are simply much better at baseball than the Indians.  

Don't sleep on the Indians. They are solid top to bottom. 

 

[Grahamburn]

I think you could Miller to that list as well.  I think Lindor and Ramirez are logical choices, with Kip, Nap, and Chiz as possible sleepers.  But if we are talking most valuable for a series win, I think Miller will have a few more of those big moments.  It's between him and Lindor for me.

Kluber.  I expect him to dominate with his breaking stuff.  The Cubs seem to really struggle with breaking balls.  I can't see any one Indian really going nuts against the Cubs staff.  It's too deep.  If the Indians win it will be because they suppressed runs.  If Kluber gets 2 wins and maybe shows up again in a game 7 I like him.

I'll go with Rizzo for the Cubs.  He started heating up against LA late in the series, and with all the righties on Cleveland's pitching staff he'll continue to hit in the WS.

Schwarber is fascinating.  Like, mythical.  I can't believe they're going to put him on the roster and start him at DH.  If he gets a couple big hits he's going to be a legend.

 

[ChiefD]

Schwarber is fascinating.  Like, mythical.  I can't believe they're going to put him on the roster and start him at DH.  If he gets a couple big hits he's going to be a legend.

Like that they are doing this. Tells you a lot about Maddon. You have this guy who really got gypped out this magical run for the Cubs. Works hard to get back, and now they are in the World Series and he gets a chance to experience it and play it in. Great story. Hope it works out for him.

 

[TobiasFunke]

Don't sleep on the Indians. They are solid top to bottom. 

I know.  But the Cubs are much better at baseball than every other team, including the really good ones. Doesn't mean they'll win the Series of course, but it's true. This is the best team we've seen in a long time. Cubs are slight favorites on the road tonight with their #3 starter facing the Indians' #1 starter. That speaks volumes.

 

[[icon]]

I don't know why, but the more I read about this kind of stuff (Lester holds epic party w Vedder after NLCS win) the more I begin to wonder if the Cubs are getting a little cocky and might not be ready for the Indians, how are a damn good team in their own right. 

How big of a neck-breaker would it be for this team with all this preseasonhype... approaching 2:1 favorites in the WS.... best team in baseball all year.... getting to the WS and LOP: they drop a stinker and choke yet again. 

Disclaimer: I am rooting for the Cubs because of former Sox guys like Theo and Lester, and because I have some die hard cubs buddies who I've loved watching go on this ride. It reminds me of the ride I got to go on in 2004 with the Red Sox. I also love Maddon and guys like Hoyer.  I'd love to see them win... it just feels like it's lining up for another collapse somehow. 
 

 

[fred_1_15301]

Its clear to me I'm a jackass. That being said, the more I hear and see coverage of Cub fans, the more I hope they lose. I know, I disgust myself. 

I want them to lose as well but mainly because I see the path that we're about to go down.  They're about to become the new Boston Red Sox type of fanbase (i.e. arrogant and privileged).  They're going to be great for many years to come and that scares the #### out of me.  I'm also a bitter Pirates fan who hasn't seen a baseball championship in my lifetime so take it for what it's worth.    

 

[TobiasFunke]

I don't know why, but the more I read about this kind of stuff (Lester holds epic party w Vedder after NLCS win) the more I begin to wonder if the Cubs are getting a little cocky and might not be ready for the Indians, how are a damn good team in their own right. 

How big of a neck-breaker would it be for this team with all this preseasonhype... approaching 2:1 favorites in the WS.... best team in baseball all year.... getting to the WS and LOP: they drop a stinker and choke yet again. 

Disclaimer: I am rooting for the Cubs because of former Sox guys like Theo and Lester, and because I have some die hard cubs buddies who I've loved watching go on this ride. It reminds me of the ride I got to go on in 2004 with the Red Sox. I'd love to see them win... it just feels like it's lining up for another collapse somehow. 
 

The 2004 Red Sox are kind of instructive here I think.  Everyone was worried about a letdown in the WS after the comeback from 3-0 down in the LCS and getting the Yankees monkey off their back. Their opponent was really good and mostly underestimated.

Not saying the Cubs are gonna sweep the Indians or even win the Series, but if ever there was a team set up for a massive letdown after winning the LCS it was that 2004 Sox team, and it didn't seem to affect them.

 

[pantagrapher]

I know.  But the Cubs are much better at baseball than every other team, including the really good ones. Doesn't mean they'll win the Series of course, but it's true. This is the best team we've seen in a long time. Cubs are slight favorites on the road tonight with their #3 starter facing the Indians' #1 starter. That speaks volumes.

Lester is a certified SP1. So is Kluber. I consider Hendricks and Arrieta solid SP2s at this point (even though Hendricks pitched like a 1 this season and Arrieta has been worse lately). But the Indians don't have an SP2, just a bunch of tomato cans after Kluber and a stellar bullpen. We'll see if that keeps working out for them, but it certainly looks good for the Cubs.

 

[Village Idiot]

As a Cleveland native I'm desperate for help.

Tommy Gunz please report to this thread and predict a Cubs victory.

TIA.

Sadly I think it will be Cubs in 6, but on the bright side, I'm usually horrible at predicting these things. (Not Gunz anti Nostrdamus bad though).

 

[bshell27]

1.  Arrieta prefers Montero (and then Ross, from what I can tell from a quick google). So in Games 2 and 6/7 you're either forcing Arrieta to work with a catcher that's not his preferred one or bumping Contreras from the lineup at the DH spot for Schwarber.

2.  I'd take a healthy Schwarber who is in midseason form at the plate over Contreras.  We have no idea if that's what the Cubs are actually getting. Obviously the Cubs front office knows much better than I do about both things, but if we just deferred to them that would be no fun!

3.  I don't think it's going to matter because the Cubs are simply much better at baseball than the Indians.  But if it does it's probably because the series has gone long and included a bunch of close games, and having a guy on your 25 man who can't field or run is a mild inconvenience in such games. Not a big one, and the chances of it mattering are fairly remote, but a mild one.

I also don't want to second guess the pros, but I just don't like bringing the guy in last minute.  Let him come back next year.  I hope he proves me wrong, but having seen no game action and then thrown into the starting lineup is a crap shoot.  All opinion on my part and I hope I'm dead wrong.  It's exciting either way and I am happy for the guy.  

 

[James Daulton]

Anyone else going to be in  Wrigleyville  tomorrow night?  Based on the forecast I'm going to have to pick up a Cubs sweatshirt. 

 

[gump]

Still waiting for the official announcement on Schwarber before I believe it.

The Cubs have tweeted it...but the official WS roster is confirmed at 1 PM.

 

[pantagrapher]

Anyone else going to be in  Wrigleyville  tomorrow night?  Based on the forecast I'm going to have to pick up a Cubs sweatshirt. 

Are you the one I told to head up there? Been hearing that most (not all) of the bars are reserving tables. I might head over there Saturday, but I'll probably do a bit of research to find a viable spot (Nesei Lounge and Gingerman are usually my go-to places). 

 

[James Daulton]

Are you the one I told to head up there? Been hearing that most (not all) of the bars are reserving tables. I might head over there Saturday, but I'll probably do a bit of research to find a viable spot (Nesei Lounge and Gingerman are usually my go-to places). 

Yea, do you think they'll have any kind of outside screen or beer garden kind of thing?

 

[pantagrapher]

Yea, do you think they'll have any kind of outside screen or beer garden kind of thing?

Lots of the bars have beer gardens, but again, I'm not sure if the tables will be reserved. Now I'm hearing some places are adding cover charges. I have friends coming from out of town to watch the games around there, so I'll be directing them somewhere. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[pantagrapher]

Lots of the bars have beer gardens, but again, I'm not sure if the tables will be reserved. Now I'm hearing some places are adding cover charges. I have friends coming from out of town to watch the games around there, so I'll be directing them somewhere. I'll let you know what I find out.

OK, never mind. Cubbie Bear is charging $100 cover. Hearing other places are doing the same. Nisei, which is usually a bit off the radar, has been a ####show. Lines out the door everywhere. Might be going with Plan B.

 

[Bobcat10]

I think you could Miller to that list as well.  I think Lindor and Ramirez are logical choices, with Kip, Nap, and Chiz as possible sleepers.  But if we are talking most valuable for a series win, I think Miller will have a few more of those big moments.  It's between him and Lindor for me.

I get it but I think they were looking for "value" and Miller is the highest posted Tribe player.  From the lines I saw, Ramirez was below (in order) Miller, Klubs, Kip, Naps, Santana, Allen, Lindor, Chis, Bauer, Naquin, Perez.  So that screams "value" to me.  Naquin won't even play during the Lester games.  No idea why Jose was so low on this list.  If I had money on this, I'd be on Klubs and Ramirez, and maybe Lindor.