NLDS rotation breakdown

I really like what Lou has done with the NLDS rotation. Here it is for those of you that hide under rocks:

1. Dempster
2. Zambrano
3. Harden
4. Lilly (if necessary....yeah look at the first 3....might not be necessary)
5. Dempster

Why do I like it so much? Lets begin at the top.

Dempster has been great at home this year, especially in big games. His worst start at home came against the Phillies where he gave up 4 runs in 6 innings. Yeah, we won't be playing the Phillies in the first round. He's not going to shut the opposing team out but he will keep us in the game and give us at least 6 innings. If he gives us 7 innings and leaves with the lead Marmol and Wood will shut things down.

Zambrano has been a complete head case since his no-hitter, but does that really shock anyone? The bottom line is he hasn't pitched in a meaningful game in quite some time. The less important the game the more likely Zambrano is to lose his focus. When is the last time you can say Z blew up in a big game? I was at game 1 in Arizona last season and he was masterful against a D-back team that ate Cubs pitching for breakfast. Z will be fine. Everyone needs to relax.

I like Harden going in game 3 for 2 reasons. The first is his composure. The guy is going to be solid whether the series is 2-0, 1-1, or 0-2. In the unlikely event that it is 0-2 this is the guy I love going to the mound on the road to extend the series. The second reason? Starting game 3 (played next Saturday) also makes it very likely he will start this coming Sunday against the upstart Brewers. If Lilly wins today the Brewers will likely have to start CC on short rest again on Sunday. The Yankees HAVE to hate the Brewers at this point.

Finally, Lilly in game 4. He is the perfect guy to throw against either the other teams 4 or the other team ace (on short rest) if we are about to clinch. This guy has ice water flowing in his veins. He didn't give us a good game last year in AZ but take away that big homer by Young and he wasn't too bad. If he doesn't walk guys he can shut down both the Mets and Dodgers, AT THE SAME FUCKING TIME!

So there you have it. Let's sit back and enjoy some college football today. The Cubs game, no matter how much we want them to stick it to the Brewers, is completely meaningless. We just need to get our guys some ABs against a quality starter like Sheets to keep them sharp. A win is simply icing on the cake.

Go Cubs!.....and Go Boilers!

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