IGT: Cubs @ Dodgers Game 3 Tuesday

[Boobaby1]

1. Fangraphs had the Dodgers as the more likely winner of this series (51/49) before it started
1a. The Dodgers are a really good playoff team in terms of how they're set up

2. It's been three games, two of which were started by the best pitcher in baseball and another top 10 starter

3. The Cubs value in depth is heavily lessened in a playoff series but that depth might be called upon for game 4

4. It's funny that fans of a franchise that is known for blowing series leads is up in arms at a 2-1 deficit.

5. People who are upset with the effort, what would you have a baseball player do to "play harder?"

6. The thing about a slump is that you're in one until you're not
6a. Conversely, you're hitting until you're not so the Dodgers can all of the sudden struggle

7. The Hawks came back from a 2-1 deficit at least once each playoffs that they won the Stanley Cup (even did a 3-1 comeback and a 3-2 comeback).

True dat. The Cubs have the ability to take the starch right out of their sails. One game at a time. The best way to beat a team is to score, pitch well, play defense and turn any crowd factor off.

I do however think Joe has to start letting these guys do what it takes to get on and be aggressive. Much like they did in the Cardinal series last year when they bunted and were aggressive on the base paths, especially against a guy like Kershaw who does not walk people. Keep stepping out of the box and calling time. Whatever it takes to rattle a pitcher or get under his skin. These guys are not immune to losing their cool.

Make a team have to make plays to beat you any way you can.

 

[85Bears]

Can't wait to see this place if they lose tomorrow...

Tomorrow? We're there now...

I'm not happy about it either, but I can't read this crap from lurkers and noobs. It's bad for my stress levels. I'll be back after the playoffs.

 

[AmazingGrace17]

Tomorrow? We're there now...

I'm not happy about it either, but I can't read this crap from lurkers and noobs. It's bad for my stress levels. I'll be back after the playoffs.

Honestly, if the opinions of others are so offensive to you, then you might want to rethink this whole internet thing. Just because someone hasn't been a member of this obscure forum for years makes them no less a fan than you. That kind of elitist mentality is just dumb. If you believe the Cubs are playing good baseball right now you have a right to. If others don't believe the Cubs are playing good baseball right now then does that make them less of a fan than you? It appears to me that you've only been a Cubs fan since 2012. I mean that's when you signed up on here.

 

[Goose22]

The Dodgers rubbed our nose in it tonight and made us like it! I would hope this lights a fire under some asses and the team starts playing with a chip on their shoulder. I appreciate the fact that this team could play loose and be successful throughout the course of an entire season, but it is time to play with a little urgency, which was nowhere to be found tonight.

No way I am giving up on this team...I have been a Cubs fan for as long as I can remember (I am 48) and I have lived through all the disappointments in post -season play AND all of the plain shitty seasons for as long as I care to remember. Ownership has spent the $, the front office has assembled a truly amazing team, and the coaching staff has put this team in a position to be successful...it is time for the players to step up to the moment, play with an us vs. the world mentality, and do what they are fully capable of doing...win the NLCS and move on to the World Series!

 

[Parade_Rain]

that would be the 3-4-5 hitters. would not be disappointed to see Rizzo get traded this offseason and bring in a guy that might have mediocre regular season stats but has good stats in October, unless he decides to show up. Rarely does an October choker label go away.

If you bring in a guy with mediocre regular season stats, how are you going to get to the post-season? The idea is that you have to get to the post-season and once you're there, anything can happen. Unless you're getting Trout in return, trading Rizzo makes no sense.

 

[FatBabiesHaveNoPride]

1. Fangraphs had the Dodgers as the more likely winner of this series (51/49) before it started
1a. The Dodgers are a really good playoff team in terms of how they're set up

2. It's been three games, two of which were started by the best pitcher in baseball and another top 10 starter

3. The Cubs value in depth is heavily lessened in a playoff series but that depth might be called upon for game 4

4. It's funny that fans of a franchise that is known for blowing series leads is up in arms at a 2-1 deficit.

5. People who are upset with the effort, what would you have a baseball player do to "play harder?"

6. The thing about a slump is that you're in one until you're not
6a. Conversely, you're hitting until you're not so the Dodgers can all of the sudden struggle

7. The Hawks came back from a 2-1 deficit at least once each playoffs that they won the Stanley Cup (even did a 3-1 comeback and a 3-2 comeback).

1. Fine. The Cubs were the best team in baseball the entire season. They were the favorites to win the World Series. They aren't liberals mg up to the hype

2. Rich Hill is a top 10 starter? Isn't Arrieta a top 10 starter. The Dodgers hit him for 4 runs through 5.

3. I have no idea what that means. The starters are expected to perform. They haven't.

4. Fans should be up in arms. The entire team isn't hitting save for 1.5 guys.

5. Percent k don't play harder. Play better.

6. I have no idea what that means. The Cubs haven't hit the entire post season. They are running out of time to break out of it. Btw, that's three straight post season series

7. Hockey is not baseball. You don't face different players (i.e. Pitchers) each game. Secondly the Hawks had seasoned winning veterans who had won before. Apples and oranges.

 

[TL1961]

Time for Joe to stop being a cheerleader and start chewing guys out for not doing their jobs.

That will take the pressure off.

 

[TL1961]

Please give me something to believe in. Rizzo is literally the 5th worst post season hitter in Cubs history. We've got blanked twice in a row. Rich Hill is a nobody. Heyward is pinch hitting for Russell. Our infield, that was filled with All Stars, can't even sniff a hit. Who is the spark gonna be? I WANT to believe! All those that are glass half full right now I'm just curious as to your logic for that.

Well....their #1 beat our #2 after we won game 1. Our guy pitched great. Then their #2 beat our #3 and they took a one game lead. Their nobody #2 was one of baseball's best pitchers this year btw, so I don't know where you've been.

Now we face their #4, and they may bring back Kershaw on short rest. Vs Lester. Which would be dumb.

And then two at home.

Rich Hill later, in a deciding game? Or on short rest? Bring it.

Glass is more than half full.

(But if we don't start hitting, I reserve the right to empty it. Repeatedly.)

 

[TC in Mississippi]

This has been such a good place to discuss Cubs baseball all year but adversity has brought out the worst in a certain segment of fans every time it's reared its head. We're down 2-1 and everyone is acting like we just lost the series. If that's what floats your boat fine, it just seems like pretty bad form from here. It's playoff baseball buck up. Toronto fans are more optimistic and they're down 3-1. Here's a page from a Jays forum (thread title "it's not over yet my friends")


http://www.bluejaysmessageboard.com/threads/6904-It-is-not-over-yet-my-friends/page4

By the way, I think they're right about their team. I also think our series will be tied 2-2 in about 15-16 hours.

 

[Spunky Porkstacker]

yes that's exactly what I was proposing. Dipshit.

Says the dipshit bitter Atlanta Braves fan that keeps bringing up Bobby Cox.

 

[CSF77]

LH curve ball pitchers are the Cubs weakness. We saw 2 back to back. These guys have not figured out to hit the hammer.

Jake came out and plain let the team down.

Game 4. Another lefty. If he has a quality hammer I expect it used heavy again. Until the Cubs prove they can hit it. Lackey you have to expect to give up 2-3 runs a game. So it comes down to the O.

Don't post #1 vs #2 stuff. Kyle pitched a ace type game. The O couldn't hit the hammer. This was the O's loss. 3 vs a 2. No it was another hammer lefty pushing the O's weakness vs a hot/clod starter who came up cold.

The next game they need to figure it out vs not. Jon is going to bet pretty much the same guy.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

LH curve ball pitchers are the Cubs weakness. We saw 2 back to back. These guys have not figured out to hit the hammer.

Jake came out and plain let the team down.

Game 4. Another lefty. If he has a quality hammer I expect it used heavy again. Until the Cubs prove they can hit it. Lackey you have to expect to give up 2-3 runs a game. So it comes down to the O.

Don't post #1 vs #2 stuff. Kyle pitched a ace type game. The O couldn't hit the hammer. This was the O's loss. 3 vs a 2. No it was another hammer lefty pushing the O's weakness vs a hot/clod starter who came up cold.

The next game they need to figure it out vs not. Jon is going to bet pretty much the same guy.

Spot on. Hill's curve was shaky early and they had opportunities but then he got in locked in and then they really weren't going to hit it. Urias has nasty stuff and a great curve but he's 20 years old. I think the veterans will step up tonight or they won't. If they do this is an honest to god series. If they don't we start looking for answers going forward.

 

[Parade_Rain]

One year it's about not hitting 95+. The next year it's about not hitting lefty curveballs. Which is it?

 

[anotheridiot]

I just hated the excuses. This Crew Chief ump only worked with Hill once in 2008. Who the **** cares, the ball is over the plate or it isnt. I really dont care how much break a ball has, it either curves around the plate or crosses the front inside corner and almost hits the batter in the foot, like the Soler at bat. At least Hill was not getting that high strike 4 inches above the belt like Kershaw gets, but this picky Cub team is not winning these umps. The only hitter I have seen get the benefit of a call has been Zobrist.

Cubs had the chance to end Hills night with two on and 1 out, but Addison and Montero ended that. Worst two hitters against lefties. Guess Joe out thunk himself again.

 

[TC in Mississippi]

One year it's about not hitting 95+. The next year it's about not hitting lefty curveballs. Which is it?

Both. Last year was the fastball, this year it's the curve. Different teams.

The reality is that it's plain not hitting no matter the cause du jour.

 

[Diehardfan]

Says the dipshit bitter Atlanta Braves fan that keeps bringing up Bobby Cox.

Ahhh...you must be referring to Bobby Coxsucker, the bandwagon jumper from Atlanta. Very knowledgeable Cubs fans in a Atlanta....trade Rizzo...duh.

 

[roadwarrior_joe]

It should have been apparent to everyone that this team is not ready for prime time when they came back from St. Louis, had a chance to clinch the division in front of the home crowd, against a weak Brewers team, which is what everyone expected to happen, and they could not get it done, they could not hit in that game either.

They ended up winning the division that night thanks to a Cardinal loss to.....?????

 

[brett05]

that would be the 3-4-5 hitters. would not be disappointed to see Rizzo get traded this offseason and bring in a guy that might have mediocre regular season stats but has good stats in October, unless he decides to show up. Rarely does an October choker label go away.

I'll take my chances with Rizzo on any team including my White Sox.

 

[CRM 114]

That will take the pressure off.

This is playoff baseball, not little league. There is supposed to be pressure. If they can't handle, they need to seek employment elsewhere.

They aren't doing their jobs, so it's self inflicted anyways.

 

[CRM 114]

1. Fangraphs had the Dodgers as the more likely winner of this series (51/49) before it started
1a. The Dodgers are a really good playoff team in terms of how they're set up

2. It's been three games, two of which were started by the best pitcher in baseball and another top 10 starter

3. The Cubs value in depth is heavily lessened in a playoff series but that depth might be called upon for game 4

4. It's funny that fans of a franchise that is known for blowing series leads is up in arms at a 2-1 deficit.

5. People who are upset with the effort, what would you have a baseball player do to "play harder?"

6. The thing about a slump is that you're in one until you're not
6a. Conversely, you're hitting until you're not so the Dodgers can all of the sudden struggle

7. The Hawks came back from a 2-1 deficit at least once each playoffs that they won the Stanley Cup (even did a 3-1 comeback and a 3-2 comeback).

Teams blow series leads in hockey way more than baseball. Hawks are also proven winners and their star players show up when it matters most. Meanwhile, the Cubs "star" players are no where to be found. Might as well put all their faces on milk cartons.