NLDS Game One Preview

Ryan Dempster pitched twice against the Dodgers this season. On May 26 and on June 5. The Cubs won both of these games. THAT IS NIIIIIICE. He faced perhaps the most dangerous Dodgers pitcher in Chad Billingsley in both games. Ryan gave up 6 extra base hits over 12.1 inning which is a bit alarming considering Manny was not a part of this team at the time. I would be lying if I said I was not a little concerned.

Derek Lowe pitched twice against the Cubs this season. On May 28 and on June 7. The two teams split these games but Derek did well in both games. He gave up 3 runs over 14 innings and largely dominated. Yikes. So where is Mr. Lowe's achilles heel? Well he has not faced a legitimate major league lineup since mid-August. That could prove to be a problem for him. He has largely feasted on the terrible NL West and the plethora of impatient hitters in that division. I expect the Cubs to make him work harder than he has had to in a while regardless of how many runs he gives up.

This game is going to come down to the bullpens and benchs. This is where I feel the Cubs hold the edge. The Cubs should have plenty of potent bats from both sides of the plate available and their power arms in the pen are well rested.

I am pretty anxious to see who these teams will be carrying on the 25 man roster entering the NLDS. I don't expect to see both Furcal and Nomar for the Dodgers. I don't expect to see Howry for the Cubs. What about Gaudin or Jeff S though? I suppose I can wait until tomorrow to find out who Lou the wise has selected.

The bottom line is I see home field being the deciding factor in a key game 1 victory for the Cubs. Wrigley is going to be rocking and I am not sure that many of these Dodgers, with the expection of Manny and Lowe, will be able to tune out the screams of 40000+ manic Cub fans.

Prediction: Cubs 4 - Dodgers 2 (for what it's worth)
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