It's Only Been 56 Years

[ProfessorGAC]

For me anyway. Went to my first Wrigley game in 1960. No, they ain't done yet, but they have won 6 of their last 8 so Cleveland is only a smidge hotter, and they've had a week off.

[Auggie]

1. Issues with Cleveland's starting pitching

They need innings from Kluber and Tomlin and that's not a guarantee against the Cubs line-up. I've been impressed with the way Dexter Fowler worked the pitch count on the Giants' Jeff Samardzija in the playoff and regular season. Those first at-bats seemed to be so key to messing with Samardzija's head. Scary thought if it works with Cleveland -- they can get to Miller/Allen/Shaw early and wear them down.

Also a need miracle cure on Bauers' pinky and another four or five innings from rookie Merritt. Can #4 starter Danny Salazar (forearm strain) come back from the DL too? Lots of "ifs."

BTW, that's some irony that the team with the BEST RECORD IN BASEBALL doesn't have World Series home field advantage. Of course I'll take it, but that's as fucked-up as it comes.

No animosities, Prof ... both teams earned their way fair and square and deserve a championship. May the best one win.

[ProfessorGAC]

2. And, They're Both Hot

Cleveland has won 7 of 8 and the Cubs won 6 or their last 8, and they had to face Baumgartner and Kershaw in 4 of those games (i think). If they can win 75% of the last 8 games with some of the games against those two guys, i think that makes them hot at the right time.

Then, winning 7 of 8 in the playoffs is hot no matter the context.

Should be fun.