CUBS/DODGERS GAME 1 REVIEW

On cue, the Cubs lay an egg. They looked like a totally different team tonight. Frustrating to say the least.

They seemed dead, almost a bit timid. And as you say–it was on cue. Ugh.

Stockton starting right off with a malapropism was too perfect. I’m refusing (in denial?) to see more in this game than there was – they were outpitched. And when that happens it’s easy to apply terms like looking dead or timid. But they just simply made more bad pitches than the other side.

I’m saying it right here, right now – last night is the only game of this series the Cubs are going to lose. Z’s gonna bring it tonight, and I love our matchups in LA.

that makes me feel better. However, the flip of that is lose tonight and good bye. But I would not be surprised–nor should anyone–if Z goes out and mows them down, especially in this chill. Go Cubs!

Z has a dead arm, guys. I’d be surprised if he lasts through 5 innings tonight. I know he came back from 2 weeks off and threw the no hitter a while back, but look at his two starts after that game. And he begged off his last start instead of throwing a few innings just to keep fresh. When’s the last time Z EVER turned down starting a game?

I think the Dodgers were the absolute worst team the Cubs could have faced in these playoffs. After the Manny trade, they’ve been the best team in the NL. The starting pitching is set up well for the post season and the lineup of younger guys is playing loose now with Manny in the middle.

Also, why no criticism of Piniella for suddenly batting Fukodome in the 2nd spot? Fukodome hasn’t done squat in the 2nd half and Theriot has been one of the Cubs most consistent players all year long. Not saying it would have made a difference, but it seemed very strange to me that he changed the lineup that way.

Was that Dusty Baker in the dugout last night? Lou just sat there just like ol’ Dusty used to. Also, Wrigley seemed quiet, even when the Cubs were up. Compared to Anaheim and Philly it seemed like a morgue. I guess dropping 7 straight in the playoffs will do that to the fans. HIRE COWHER MANG!

There scary thing for me is I have no idea which Zambrano will show up tonight. Will it be the Z that can shut down any team in the league, or the guy with the dead arm? Based on the last two outings, I’ll be watching the game from a ledge tonight.

As for last nights game, Lowe looked great. Don’t forget, this is the guy that won each of the clinching games for Boston when they finally broke through in 2004. He’s been there before and pitched like it. I can’t take much of Ramirez either, but how many guys could have hit Marshall’s 0-2 pitch off the deck 400 feet? High and tight the rest of the series.

Wow. For once I agree with dhaab. I was also puzzled to see Fukudome in the 2 spot. I wonder if things may have been slightly different. But the key was the walks. That has always been a fundamental rule ever since little league. Walks will kill you.