By Marty Gangler
Ugh. Why does this always feel the same way in the playoffs? Oh that’s right, because it kinda always is the same way.
In the days leading up to this weekend the front office of the Cubs was front and center talking to anyone who would listen and gloating in the success of The Plan. But how does everyone feel now? We rode our ace for close to 90-some more innings over any season he’s pitched in the past going into the game on Sunday. Was that part of The Plan? Fatigue might happen, right? Was there a plan for that?
It just sure would be nice if the Cubs would have went out and got a Johnny Cueto or a Cole Hamels or a David Price for this moment right now – you know, like other playoff teams did. Even the Mets ditched some assets and shored up their team at the trade deadline with track-record performance-tested bullpen help and a real bat (with a real arm). And it’s kind of working out for them.
But I guess the price was too steep for the Cubs to pay. Come next season the Cubs will have that extra big arm and I would wager Jake Arrieta will have less innings on his arm. Because that will be part of The Plan. But as bright a future there seems to be, I have that same feeling in the pit of my stomach as I do every time the Cubs get into the playoffs. I probably should of planned on it.
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Week In Review: The Cubs dispatched the Cardinals in the NLDS and are sitting down 0-2 to the Mets in the NLCS after losing both games their “top” starters have started. Blah.
The Week In Preview: If a mediocre second baseman for the opposition (Murphy was a 1.4 WAR player this season – Chris Coghlan was a 1.9 War player! ) can look like the second coming of Barry Bonds in his prime, why can’t a couple Cubs step up and do the same? I mean, geez, guys. So the Cubs come home and need to win like no other Cub team has won in the lifetime of anyone readying this. So, no prob . . .
The Second Basemen Report: Starlin Castro is the man, even if he doesn’t always #Respect90. He’s having better at-bats than almost anyyone who isn’t named Dexter. I am still a bit dumbfounded.
In former Cubs second basemen news, former Cubs second baseman Addison Russell is out for the series with a hammy, and he is missed.
Mad(don) Scientist: Small sample sizes in the playoffs make even good managers seem like they aren’t really doing much. But he’s doing what he can. I mean, he played the Rocky theme after the loss last night. That’s something.
Wishing Upon A Starlin: Even just respecting 45 might have changed Game 1.
Kubs Kalendar: The first 10,000 fans through the gates on Tuesday get the Jorge Soler winter emergency pack, which you can also use on your next trip to the North Pole.
Ameritrade Stock Pick Of The Week: BATS plunged while HOODIES soared. Buy and sell accordingly.
Over/Under: Games left in the season: +/- 2.5.
Beachwood Sabermetrics: A complex algorithm performed by The Cub Factor staff using all historical data made available by Major League Baseball has determined that it’s harder to swing a bat in a hoodie.
Touch ‘Em All: The Cub Factor archives.
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Marty Gangler is our man on the Cub. He welcomes your comments.
Posted on October 19, 2015