Best in the Majors: Cubs come back from 8-0, 9-1 to top Rockies 10-9.

[Cry Havoc]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20080530&content_id=2798761&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

CHICAGO -- Mark DeRosa hit a two-run homer in the seventh inning to cap a comeback from eight runs down in a thrilling 10-9 victory Friday afternoon.

The Rockies pounced on Ted Lilly and Jon Lieber and had a 9-4 lead going into the seventh. Mike Fontenot singled with one out to start a six-hit, six-run rally. Fontenot scored when Henry Blanco went deep for the first time since Sept. 22, 2006. Micah Hoffpauir and Kosuke Fukudome followed with singles.

Rockies starter Aaron Cook was pulled for Manuel Corpas (0-3) after Hoffpauir's hit. Jim Edmonds then laced a two-run double to center before DeRosa's two-run shot gave the Cubs their first lead of the game.

Fukudome and Edmonds hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth. Fukudome's was his third of the season. Edmonds' was his first as a Cub.

In his shortest outing of the season, Lilly was tagged for seven runs -- four earned -- on eight hits in three innings. The Rockies plated four in the first, three in the third and one a piece in the fourth and fifth.

Scott Eyre (2-0) got the win in one-third of an inning of relief.

Rain delayed the start of the game by 22 minutes.


:clap :clap :clap

[T Park]

There is no god.

[K-State Spur]

There is no god.

I wouldn't be testing the lord I were you.

Some Cardinals' fan has hella faith when that mediocre roster is playing 10 games over .500 ball.

Coming into the season, I would have said that there were better odds of the Cubs winning a game after being down 20 runs than Todd Wellemeyer winning 5 games all year.

[T Park]

After a while, the haters will realize they are better than they think they are.

[K-State Spur]

The bats ~ maybe.

But the track record of guys like Wellemeyer, Lohse, and Looper would indicate that they will come back to earth (currently combined for 16-7). Even their peripheral stats to date indicate that they are getting by on luck more than skill.

[Thunder Dan]

Just like the DRays, they will blow it

[T Park]

The bats ~ maybe.

But the track record of guys like Wellemeyer, Lohse, and Looper would indicate that they will come back to earth (currently combined for 16-7). Even their peripheral stats to date indicate that they are getting by on luck more than skill.

:lol

Yeah cause Wellemeyer as a starter last year didn't work.

Ok.

[ducks]

rockies pitchers this year suck

[T Park]

The bats ~ maybe.

But the track record of guys like Wellemeyer, Lohse, and Looper would indicate that they will come back to earth (currently combined for 16-7). Even their peripheral stats to date indicate that they are getting by on luck more than skill.

You mean, NL pitcher of the month Todd Wellemeyer? :)

[Cry Havoc]

The bats ~ maybe.

But the track record of guys like Wellemeyer, Lohse, and Looper would indicate that they will come back to earth (currently combined for 16-7). Even their peripheral stats to date indicate that they are getting by on luck more than skill.

I don't know if I agree with this. They're RS (runs scored) vs. RA (runs against) average suggests that they'd have a 34-27 record right now on average. That's not great, but it's not horrible. It also means they have a shot at a wild-card spot, even if the Cubs continue their current tear.

Busch Stadium (new and old) has and will continue to be a pitcher's ballpark. A below average pitcher in Wrigley could become a pretty solid starter there. The Cardinals might be able to go all year with just a modest rotation.

[T Park]

Cubbies have stiffed two games in a row against one of the worst hitting teams in baseball.

Time for a cool down it seems.

[Cry Havoc]

Cubbies have stiffed two games in a row against one of the worst hitting teams in baseball.

Time for a cool down it seems.

:lmao

They just went 4-3 on a road trip in a year where a total of THREE teams in the entire MLB have +.500 records on the road.

Meanwhile, the Cards are 6-4 over their last 10. Seems like they are in a bit more of a cool down phase than the Cubs are.

What were you saying, again? :toast

[T Park]

No cool down at all.

They are at their highest above 500 record of all year.

The Cubs were supposed to be this unbeatable force and the Cardinals were considered to be one of the worst teams in baseball.'

Cards are only 2 and a half behind the Cubbies and doin fine.

NO cool down what so ever.

The Cardinals have won like 8 straight series or something like that.

[Cry Havoc]

No cool down at all.

They are at their highest above 500 record of all year.

The Cubs were supposed to be this unbeatable force and the Cardinals were considered to be one of the worst teams in baseball.'

Cards are only 2 and a half behind the Cubbies and doin fine.

I never thought the Cards would be among the worst. I think they're overachieving a bit, but you never throw away a lineup with Mr. Pujols in it. Hell you could take 5 AAA guys around him and still have a productive team.

The Yankees and Red Sox are supposed to be the 1-2 team every year. The Mets were supposed to be the best team in the NL this year, if memory serves. The Cubs were slated as a potential top 5 team in baseball, not at the top of everyone's power rankings while being several games ahead of the next best team in baseball.



NO cool down what so ever.

The Cardinals have won like 8 straight series or something like that.

Interesting. The Cubs are fresh off a 9 game winning streak, and have a 7-3 record over their last 10 games. The Cards are 6-4, split their 4 game with Pittsburgh and dropped 2 games to them the series before that.

You better hope Lee stays in his slump. Otherwise, the already best offense in baseball is going to put even more runs on the board.

[T Park]

You better hope Lee stays in his slump. Otherwise, the already best offense in baseball is going to put even more runs on the board.

Thats ok, I'll just wait for Soriano to do one of his "cute" hops and hurt himself again.

That or guys like Maddux and Lilly imploding as usual.

[T Park]

Complete game shutout, under 100 pitches for that "mediocre" pitcher

Looper.


Once again, I hope everyone thinks that way about the pitching and they keep proving the haters wrong :)

[K-State Spur]

4.34 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 39/21 K/BB = mediocre.

Keep banking on career years from guys like Lohse & Wellemeyer.

Cards may prove me wrong all the way into September, it wouldn't be the first time. But I still think they are 'fool's gold.'

[balli]

Thats ok, I'll just wait for Soriano to do one of his "cute" hops and hurt himself again.

That or guys like Maddux and Lilly imploding as usual.


Or just get hit by a pitch that breaks his hand- see you in six weeks Alfonso. Fuck. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280611116&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

BTW- Maddux has been gone for three seasons now.

[T Park]

I meant Kerry Wood but typed it during a Padre game.

[Cry Havoc]

Complete game shutout, under 100 pitches for that "mediocre" pitcher

Looper.


Once again, I hope everyone thinks that way about the pitching and they keep proving the haters wrong :)

You beat a team at the bottom of the division. The Reds are virtually tied for the 2nd fewest runs scored in the division. They've lost 7 of 10.

What's brag worthy about this? We've been killing teams like the Reds all year. You shut down a bad team with an unimpressive offense. Congrats.

By the way, we're still 7-3 over our last 10. Man, if we keep cooling down like this we'll only finish with 105-110 wins. :lol

[MoSpur]

The Cubs will stay afloat even with Soriano out. I say he comes back sooner than projected. This is the Cubs season. They'll have injuries, but will stay focused and others will step up.

[Cry Havoc]

The Cubs will stay afloat even with Soriano out. I say he comes back sooner than projected. This is the Cubs season. They'll have injuries, but will stay focused and others will step up.

Lee is coming out of his funk.

When he is on, he is the best hitter in baseball, period.

I'd rather have Lee hot than Soriano.

[K-State Spur]

When he is on, he is the best hitter in baseball, period.

I'd rather have Lee hot than Soriano.

Your first statement is hyperbole. But you are correct with, Lee > Soriano.

[T Park]

You beat a team at the bottom of the division. The Reds are virtually tied for the 2nd fewest runs scored in the division. They've lost 7 of 10.

What's brag worthy about this? We've been killing teams like the Reds all year. You shut down a bad team with an unimpressive offense. Congrats.

By the way, we're still 7-3 over our last 10. Man, if we keep cooling down like this we'll only finish with 105-110 wins. :lol


You've been beating the Rockies, Padres and Dodgers.

Wow thats a stellar lineup...

[T Park]

Lee is coming out of his funk.

When he is on, he is the best hitter in baseball, period.

I'd rather have Lee hot than Soriano.

A better hitter than Pujols?

Put down the pipe.

[djohn14]

Derek Lee is the best hitter in baseball? Is this 2K6 or something because last time I checked the only hitter above .400 is Chipper Jones. Choke on that.

[Cry Havoc]

Derek Lee is the best hitter in baseball? Is this 2K6 or something because last time I checked the only hitter above .400 is Chipper Jones. Choke on that.

I qualified that statement with "when he's hot".

Please look up DLee's seasons prior to 2007, since you clearly don't remember.

[Cry Havoc]

A better hitter than Pujols?

Put down the pipe.

Qualifying statement: When he's hot.

He clearly hasn't been.

A couple of seasons ago people were asking if DLee would hit .400 for an entire year.

[K-State Spur]

I qualified that statement with "when he's hot".

Please look up DLee's seasons prior to 2007, since you clearly don't remember.

If you add the 'when he's hot' qualifier, you could argue that any one of 50 guys are the best hitter in baseball.

Lee, while having some great years and is certainly one of the best 1b in the game, has never been THE best hitter in baseball - or even really that close.

[Cry Havoc]

If you add the 'when he's hot' qualifier, you could argue that any one of 50 guys are the best hitter in baseball.

So? The point is that the Cubs lineup has untapped potential. If Lee starts hitting like he can, there will be no stopping the offense.

[K-State Spur]

So? The point is that the Cubs lineup has untapped potential. If Lee starts hitting like he can, there will be no stopping the offense.

Agreed. Even sans-Soriano, it's one of the best top-to-bottom lineups in the game. Hell, I'd argue that Soriano is only the 4th best hitter in that line-up even when healthy (although he has hot streaks where he can put the entire team on his back).

Lee should start hitting the ball better and pick up some of the slack (as should Edmonds. he's old, but not sub-.600 OPS old). however, it's also possible that some of the guys having career years could come back to earth a bit.

Ultimately, for the Cubs to keep up the pace, it'll be their pitching that needs to pick it up. Lilly is capable of more. Marquis sucks, but is capable of good stretches. No telling what to expect from Gallagher at this point. If Rich Hill can regain something of what he was and re-join the club, that would be huge (but he is WALKING THE WORLD at AAA right now).

[balli]

If Rich Hill can regain something of what he was and re-join the club, that would be huge (but he is WALKING THE WORLD at AAA right now).
It's just stunning. I thought he was going to turn into our second ace this year.

[MoSpur]

Pujols is a little overrated IMO

[Cry Havoc]

Agreed. Even sans-Soriano, it's one of the best top-to-bottom lineups in the game. Hell, I'd argue that Soriano is only the 4th best hitter in that line-up even when healthy (although he has hot streaks where he can put the entire team on his back).

Lee should start hitting the ball better and pick up some of the slack (as should Edmonds. he's old, but not sub-.600 OPS old). however, it's also possible that some of the guys having career years could come back to earth a bit.

Ultimately, for the Cubs to keep up the pace, it'll be their pitching that needs to pick it up. Lilly is capable of more. Marquis sucks, but is capable of good stretches. No telling what to expect from Gallagher at this point. If Rich Hill can regain something of what he was and re-join the club, that would be huge (but he is WALKING THE WORLD at AAA right now).

Soto and Fukudome have been huge for us. I think possibly Theriot and Fontenot or De Rosa could settle back down, but Soto has a ton of confidence, and Fukudome is too patient at the plate to go through a really bad spell. Aramis, Derrek, Kosuke, and Geovany is a pretty nasty middle to go through a couple times a game.

Add in Soriano, and you suddenly have no weaknesses in the 1-6 because they cover each other so well. Small wonder that we are leading the NL in runs scored. It's just a bonus that we also lead the NL in fewest runs allowed, as well. :clap

[Cry Havoc]

Rally caps on, Cubbies! We need to win tonight!

[T Park]

Qualifying statement: When he's hot.

He clearly hasn't been.

A couple of seasons ago people were asking if DLee would hit .400 for an entire year.

Well when Pujols is hot hes pretty damn unstoppable.

I mean you can qualify that statement with the "when hot" all the time.

[AFBlue]

Rally caps on, Cubbies! We need to win tonight!

Against James Shields, arguably one of the most underrated pitchers in the league.....good luck.

[Cry Havoc]

Against James Shields, arguably one of the most underrated pitchers in the league.....good luck.

Sweep dreams.

Cubs now 2.0 games ahead of 2nd place in the MLB, 4.5 up on the Cards for 1st in the division.

[MoSpur]

What a series for the Cubs! That was fun to watch. Believe 2008!

[Cry Havoc]

Sweep the Orioles! Keep the unbeaten streak at Wrigley alive!

[Cry Havoc]

The Cubs are now 43-22 when Alfonso Soriano plays.

And since a post-break slump, the Cubs are 12-4 and averaging over 6 runs per game.

[T Park]

and 0-3 in the playoffs when he plays as well.

[Cry Havoc]

and 0-3 in the playoffs when he plays as well.

Living in the past must be comforting to you.

[T Park]

Living in the past must be comforting to you.


Whatever floats your boat.

But hey, everyone has a bad 100 years right? :toast

[Cry Havoc]

Whatever floats your boat.

But hey, everyone has a bad 100 years right? :toast

Want to guess who has a better shot at being in the World Series in the year that matters? As opposed to... you know... not even making the playoffs. :toast

[T Park]

Want to guess who has a better shot at being in the World Series in the year that matters? As opposed to... you know... not even making the playoffs. :toast


I would hope you make the playoffs, spending over 150 million.


Like I said, once every 100 years, what the hell, why not.

[Cry Havoc]

I would hope you make the playoffs, spending over 150 million.


Like I said, once every 100 years, what the hell, why not.

We can actually afford to spend that much given the size of our fanbase and how crazy the city is about the Cubs.

[Cry Havoc]

Bump.

Cubs are rolling! Clearly the best team in the majors right now.

[AFBlue]

Bump.

Cubs are rolling! Clearly the best team in the majors right now.

Rays, winners of four straight, not far behind!

[Cry Havoc]

Magic number is 4!

[Reggie Miller]

Magic number is 4!

Still 4. The Cubs just refuse to put it away...

I'm not a doomsayer. They will win the division. I just don't want to see them playing like stale ass in the games leading up to the NLDS.

[T Park]

Better hope they didn't peak back in August.

[Reggie Miller]

Better hope they didn't peak back in August.

Offensively, I think they did. At one point in August, the Cubs' 6-8 hitters had the highest BA in the majors. I highly doubt that is the case now. This was the secret to their success during that ridiculous hot streak, because Soriano always had runners on for his ABs. Lee was also hitting balls out of the infield at that time. (Strange, but true!)

Defensively, the Cubs are average to mediocre. No real change there. It's only cost them two games so far this year, so I think we can ignore it. It's amazing that Zambrano was able to pitch a no-hitter. Before Uncle Lou trotted out the defensive replacements, Z was working with one of the most limited middle infield combinations in MLB.

The starting pitching staff is the balls, and they are the one aspect of this team that doesn't bother me. Dempster needs to skip a start soon, but that is the only real concern I have.

The bullpen does not have a single LH reliever who can actually get LH batters out. (The only Cubs worth a damn against lefties are Wood, Marmol, and Samadzija.) Piniella keeps trotting Neal Cotts out there for reasons known only to him. I suspect Piniella is hoping that Cotts will turn it around, but other than his one good year with the 2005 White Sox, Cotts really sucks. The Cubs could have clinched already if Piniella wasn't so damn determined to let Cotts and Howry work it out on the mound. Piniella believes in velocity in the postseason, and these two throw hard. I suspect a connection, which scares the shit out of me. I'd rather see Marquis on the postseason roster at this point.

[Cry Havoc]

Still 4. The Cubs just refuse to put it away...

I'm not a doomsayer. They will win the division. I just don't want to see them playing like stale ass in the games leading up to the NLDS.

What were you saying? :downspin:

[Reggie Miller]

What were you saying? :downspin:


I guess I'm saying that the odds are looking good that the Cubs will clinch on an off day, if you take my meaning.

EDIT: I just checked the box scores. I had assumed they lost this afternoon. Magic number is now 2 after a miraculous comeback/Brewer meltdown.

[Cry Havoc]

I guess I'm saying that the odds are looking good that the Cubs will clinch on an off day, if you take my meaning.

EDIT: I just checked the box scores. I had assumed they lost this afternoon. Magic number is now 2 after a miraculous comeback/Brewer meltdown.

I was watching the whole thing. Started to fall asleep in the 8th, started to slowly wake up in the bottom of the 9th. We got two runners on and suddenly I was alert. Then Soto walked up, and BOOM. Amazing.

Amazing game.

[Reggie Miller]

A Philadelphia loss or Chicago win tonight clinches homefield advantage for the NLCS.

[Reggie Miller]

A Philadelphia loss or Chicago win tonight clinches homefield advantage for the NLCS.

Cubs clinch National League; the difference was a Marquis grand slam.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280922121

[Cry Havoc]

Yes Yes Yes!

[Reggie Miller]

Yes Yes Yes!

Marquis, you magnificent bastard... I READ YOUR BOOK!!!!

[Reggie Miller]

My best guess at Sweet Lou's Playoff Roster*:

1 C Geovany Soto
2 C Henry Blanco
3 1B Derek Lee
4 1B/OF Daryle Ward
5 2B/OF Mark DeRosa
6 2B Mike Fontenot
7 SS Ryan Theriot
8 SS Ronny Cedeno
9 3B Aramis Ramirez
10 OF Alfonso Soriano
11 OF Jim Edmonds
12 OF Reed Johnson
13 OF Felix Pie
14 OF Kosuke Fukudome

15 SP Carlos Zambrano
16 SP Ryan Dempster
17 SP Rich Harden
18 SP/RP Ted Lilly
19 SP/RP Jason Marquis
20 RP Carlos Marmol
21 RP Jeff Samardzija
22 RP Kerry Wood
23 RP Sean Marshall
24 RP Neal Cotts
25 RP Chad Gaudin


Lou's Projected Starting Rotation:

1 RH Zambrano
2 RH Dempster
3 RH Harden
4 LH Lilly


* This is not my ideal roster, but Piniella has alreday said he is carrying 14 hitters and 11 pitchers.

[Reggie Miller]

My best guess at Sweet Lou's Playoff Roster*:

1 C Geovany Soto
2 C Henry Blanco
3 1B Derek Lee
4 1B/OF Daryle Ward
5 2B/OF Mark DeRosa
6 2B Mike Fontenot
7 SS Ryan Theriot
8 SS Ronny Cedeno
9 3B Aramis Ramirez
10 OF Alfonso Soriano
11 OF Jim Edmonds
12 OF Reed Johnson
13 OF Felix Pie
14 OF Kosuke Fukudome

15 SP Carlos Zambrano
16 SP Ryan Dempster
17 SP Rich Harden
18 SP/RP Ted Lilly
19 SP/RP Jason Marquis
20 RP Carlos Marmol
21 RP Jeff Samardzija
22 RP Kerry Wood
23 RP Sean Marshall
24 RP Neal Cotts
25 RP Chad Gaudin


Lou's Projected Starting Rotation:

1 RH Zambrano
2 RH Dempster
3 RH Harden
4 LH Lilly


* This is not my ideal roster, but Piniella has alreday said he is carrying 14 hitters and 11 pitchers.



This is the Reggie Miller Solution:

Batting Order =

1 Sorry, Ano (LF)
2 Little Babe Ruth (2B)
3 E-Ramis (3B)
4 DP Lee (1B)
5 Jimmy Ballgame (CF)
6 Super Mario (C)
7 Marky Mark (RF)
8 Dance Fever a.k.a. "The Riot" (SS)
9 Pitcher

My real ideal lineup would have Soriano batting third, but he historically doesn't produce in that spot. I dropped Theriot into #8 as a second lead-off hitter. He has zero power, and Fontenot would have this opportunity to duplicate what he did from April to August.

Otherwise, I would then revert to Lou's "normal" lineup with DeRosa at 2B. I would then consider playing Delicious Pie over F.U. Dome. Felix Pie is a waste in the corners, so the outfield would be: Soriano (LF), Pie (CF), and whoever has the best record against the scheduled starter in RF. Pie then becomes the secondary lead-off hitter in the #8 spot.

All of this highlights the Cubs' weaknesses. The Cubs do not have a single utility player. The closest thing they have is Mark DeRosa, who needs to start, despite some slumping this month. Thank God, DeRosa doesn't seem to mind moving around the field. Soriano should be hitting lower in the order, but when you move him there, he bats like a lead-off hitter. (Go figure.) Lee is starting to come out of his power shortage just in time, but he has been a major liability for long stretches since the All-Star break. The Cubs do not have nearly enough LH bats, so you are forced to rely on the streaky, declining version of Jim Edmonds. The Cubs only have two people capable of playing shortstop. Theriot can't field, and Cedeno can't hit. They are roughly equal in that both can be relied upon to run the bases like complete spazzes.

My rotation would be:

1. Zambrano
2. Dempster
3. Harden

In a five game series, this guarantees the Dumpster two starts at Wrigley, if necessary. I trust Zambrano more at home as well. Harden, who actually has the best stats, could pitch in both Game 3 & 5 on normal rest if necessary. This gives you the option of using Lilly as your frontline LH reliever, which would make me feel a lot better than relying on the other options.

EDIT: Either "no-hit" Zambrano will show, or the version that serves up BP. Dempster and Harden can beat anyone else's #2 and #3 starter. I'd rather send Zambrano against the other team's #1 no matter what.

[Reggie Miller]

Looks like Lou is going with:

1. Dempster
2. Lilly
3. Harden
4. Zambrano

I think Lou is being a little too traditional here by insisting on starting a lefty.

Cubs' Pitching v. LHB
Opponent BA, Opponent OBP, Opponent SLG, OPS Against

Dempster = .243 / .309 / .381 / .691
Lilly = .307 / .387 / .545 / .932
Harden = .200 / .294 / .300 / .594
Zambrano = .235 / .328 / .346 / .675

To be fair, Lilly's numbers after the All-Star break are significantly better. (Lilly had the three worst starts of his career in April.)

Right now, I would have to more or less agree with the rotation, except I would prefer to use Lilly and Marquis in the bullpen, just for the NLDS. You cannot take starts away from either Dempster or Harden in a short series.

[K-State Spur]

Looks like Lou is going with:

1. Dempster
2. Lilly
3. Harden
4. Zambrano

I think Lou is being a little too traditional here by insisting on starting a lefty.

Cubs' Pitching v. LHB
Opponent BA, Opponent OBP, Opponent SLG, OPS Against

Dempster = .243 / .309 / .381 / .691
Lilly = .307 / .387 / .545 / .932
Harden = .200 / .294 / .300 / .594
Zambrano = .235 / .328 / .346 / .675

To be fair, Lilly's numbers after the All-Star break are significantly better. (Lilly had the three worst starts of his career in April.)

Right now, I would have to more or less agree with the rotation, except I would prefer to use Lilly and Marquis in the bullpen, just for the NLDS. You cannot take starts away from either Dempster or Harden in a short series.

I think it's a good rotation. I don't think it's because he's a lefty, it's because Lilly has been hot of late and put together a solid season overall.

Plus, none of the Cubs guys have shown the ability to pitch on 3 days rest. With Harden's fragility, I'm not sure you'd want to trot him out there on short rest. Zambrano's so streaky right now that's it's probably best to keep him on normal rest. And Dempster on 3 days rest would put his 2nd start on the road, where's he's been closer to mortal (although still better than his 3-3 away record would indicate). Lilly has actually been pretty good himself on the road this year (3.83 w/ a 9-4 record and a strikeout per inning).

[Reggie Miller]

I think it's a good rotation. I don't think it's because he's a lefty, it's because Lilly has been hot of late and put together a solid season overall.

Plus, none of the Cubs guys have shown the ability to pitch on 3 days rest. With Harden's fragility, I'm not sure you'd want to trot him out there on short rest. Zambrano's so streaky right now that's it's probably best to keep him on normal rest. And Dempster on 3 days rest would put his 2nd start on the road, where's he's been closer to mortal (although still better than his 3-3 away record would indicate). Lilly has actually been pretty good himself on the road this year (3.83 w/ a 9-4 record and a strikeout per inning).

You are correct, but you forgot that the Cubs will draw the schedule with that extra (inexplicable) day of rest. Even in a three-man rotation, no one would have to go on short rest.

However, there is no way you can start any of the Cubs starters on short rest. Harden's arm would fall off. Dempster hasn't thrown this many innings since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Zambrano is too flaky. No one has ever tried it before with Lilly, to my knowledge.

It may still be a better idea to try the four-man rotation with all of the above in mind.

[Reggie Miller]

Milwaukee wins final game of the season against the Cubs, 3-1.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280928108&action=playvideo&hcmp=motion

Personally, I wanted the Mets in the first round.