MLB 2016 Thread

[bono_212]

I agree. I expect them to win big if they win.

Though if they do win big , I'll feel a little more optimistic heading back to Cleveland.

Anyways, I'm anxious to get to it today.

I don't mind being wrong.

 

[Hewson]

Question is now, did Francona screw up with his rotation?

The Indians could have won game 4 with a combination of Salazar for 3 innings and the bullpen with the way they hit Lackey and the Cubs pen Saturday, then they'd have had Kluber on regular rest last night against Moe Lester, might have ended the series.

Now they will be dogs again in game 6 to Arrieta, and then it all comes down to Kluber on 3 days rest for the 2nd successive start Wednesday.

Should be fun to watch it play out.

 

[PhilsFan]

I find it very hard to criticize anything Francona has done with the pitching.

 

[bono_212]

The only thing I've questioned is the risk of using Kluber thrice.
Otherwise, agreed. He's been basically a masterclass. And if it goes 7, we'll see then if the decision was the right one. If it doesn't, we'll then clearly that was the right move.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

Ehhhh.

Maybe. I'm torn on tonight. I think either Chicago is going to blow em out early and hit a ton of homeruns, or Cleveland wins. I don't think Chicago wins a close game tonight.

I like making predictions and having the exact opposite happen.

 

[Hewson]

I find it very hard to criticize anything Francona has done with the pitching.

I am not criticizing, just first guessing, cause if this goes to 7 (and I think it will based on the pitching matchup tomorrow) and Kluber is worn down, then his plan backfires.
To this point, he's managed brilliantly. Underdogs in all 3 series, without his #2 and #3 starters and his best position player.
Yet of course Wine Glass Joe is heralded as the best manager in baseball because he had the Cubs wear Halloween costumes on the flight to Cleveland.

 

[speedracer]

I am not criticizing, just first guessing, cause if this goes to 7 (and I think it will based on the pitching matchup tomorrow) and Kluber is worn down, then his plan backfires.
To this point, he's managed brilliantly. Underdogs in all 3 series, without his #2 and #3 starters and his best position player.
Yet of course Wine Glass Joe is heralded as the best manager in baseball because he had the Cubs wear Halloween costumes on the flight to Cleveland.

Meh. If you start Merritt/Salazar for 4 and Kluber for 5, you most likely end up at the same place right now as you would have with Kluber and Bauer on short rest for 4-5. Hard to know ahead of time that the bats would erupt in game 4.

Then Bauer on full rest for 6 and Tomlin + the kitchen sink for 7, versus Tomlin on short rest for 6 and Kluber on short rest for 7.

Neither option seems obviously better than the other to me.

Either way, it certainly helps that Miller pitched 0 innings and Chapman 2.2 last night (even considering the day off).

 

[deep]

Game 7 is looking likely.

 

[GirlsAloudFan]

What an epic fuck up by the Indians outfield.

 

[speedracer]

Well then.

 

[Hewson]

Will be interesting to see how Kluber fares in game 7. He was very good tonight, but a 2nd straight start on 3 days rest is another matter.

Indians had to have this game, cause the next 2 pitching matchups heavily favor the Cubs.

Wednesday night is gonna be something to see.

 

[LuckyNumber7]

I knew when I saw the sexy wink in the preview it had to be Hewson with the told-ya-so.

 

[bono_212]

I knew when I watched this game I'd come in here to see a post from Hewson, lol.

 

[bono_212]

So, um...yeah.

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

Kluber on the hill, Miller and Allen well rested, Chapman blown in a meaningless appearance last night, Cleveland a +105 dog. At home.

Yes, please.

 

[Hewson]

The whole thing basically comes down to can Kluber be effective on 3 days rest for a 2nd consecutive start.
Get your popcorn ready.

 

[Hewson]

Chapman blown in a meaningless appearance last night, .

Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon defends decision to bring in closer Aroldis Chapman with 5-run lead in Game 6

Spoiler

 

[deep]

So
Who should win tonight?

 

[DaveC]

So
Who should win tonight?

headache, by the sounds of it.

at this point i don't particularly care who wins, as long as it's a close game in the last few innings.

 

[speedracer]

Think it has to be Miller in the 4th, with 3-4-5 coming up.

 

[bono_212]

Ohhhh my God.

 

[phanan]

Think it has to be Miller in the 4th, with 3-4-5 coming up.

Was surprised he didn't start the inning.

Will also be surprised if the Cubs lift Hendricks this early. I know it's Lester, but still.

 

[Hewson]

Ross is clearly concussed, cause he suddenly thinks he's Batman.

 

[bono_212]

That was maybe the worst management decision ever... He waits one more, and if Hendricks ends the inning you get a fresh Lester, like he wanted, and one more ab from contreras.

But, I'll obviously take the HR.

 

[speedracer]

That was maybe the worst management decision ever.

Yeah, pretty sure Theo Epstein would disagree with you.

 

[bono_212]

Haha, I mean, if it didn't hurt the outcome going their way so be it, but it was odd.

I'm assuming their was a worse Red Sox one?

Also, would be a really weird coincidence if Ross got a concussion in his last game.

http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/concussions-played-role-in-retirement-decision-for-cubs-ross/

 

[Headache in a Suitcase]

Every proclamation I have made has gone exactly the opposite, so clearly Chicago has this in the bag.

 

[cobl04]

Good luck, 212 and GAF. Hope they pull this off for you guys

 

[speedracer]

Haha, I mean, if it didn't hurt the outcome going their way so be it, but it was odd.

I'm assuming their was a worse Red Sox one?

Oh dear. Has it really been that long?

Spoiler

 

[bono_212]

I had to be caught up on that one. That was the second year I started watching baseball religiously.