NL Wildcard Predictions

[Crash Course]

Got any at this stage?

[Crash Course]

I'm still thinking it's going to be an NL West team.

[Sidewinder]

I agree.

I just don't see the Reds holding up and the Cubs are a mess.

[Crash Course]

Plus, in the west, they're all fighting for 1st. Helps the motivation. When you're a zillion out and just trying for the card, I think sometimes that does not help.

[RascalJones]

RE: Reds

They'll never make it because they won't ADD payroll to get there. A Cincinnati sports-talk radio show indicated that the Reds probably will be looking to trade Paul Wilson who's having a career year, and Cory Lidle for some prospects within the next week.

As far as what I think about the NL Wildcard. I think it'll probably be San Diego or Atlanta. I think SF will win the west and the Dogers will fade. Of the 4 teams, SD, SF, LA, ATL I think that SD will try to do the most to improve their team before the deadline. They REALLY want to make the playoffs and keep butts in the seats of that new ballpark.

[mainsr]

I'll go out on a limb and pick the Cubs.
1. Of the wildcard frontrunners--Dodgers, Padres, Giants, Cubs, and Reds--the Cubs have the best Pythagorean record.
2. They've played the second-hardest schedule in the league to date. I imagine that means it gets easier. (Strength of schedule is a big reason why the Royals led the AL Central last year, and why the Twins overtook them.)
3. With Wood and Prior already having spent time on the DL, they should be fresh enough to not break down when Baker has them throwing 150-pitch CGs in September.

Then again, I told everyone in the office that there was no way Lance Armstrong would win the Tour this year.

[Crash Course]

Based on the way the Cubs played the Cards, I think they would need a heart transplant before they could get the WC.

[mainsr]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And there were guys writing off the Yanks after the home-and-home April series against the Sox.

Starting on August 17, the Cubs play 28 straight games against teams with combined W-L of 217-250. Betcha that does wonders for their "heart."

[Crash Course]

It will be interesting to see!

[mgoettsche]

Gotta taste a little crow here...

I said there was no way that the WC was coming out of the west. Now I'll say there's a slim chance they'll come from the west. Still think the Cubs will do it, but after Prior's recent injury scare and the meltdown against the Cardinals, they are shaky.

If not the Cubs, the team will come from the West.

[Crash Course]

So, now with a month to go, three teams are tied for this puppy. Who's going to win?

[Sidewinder]

No idea, but I'm pulling for the Padres

[Crash Course]

It would be a nice story, all things considered.

[mainsr]

So, now with a month to go, three teams are tied for this puppy. Who's going to win?

Cubs. That's my story, and I'm stickin' with it.

[Crash Course]

And, now, the Marlins and Astros are back in this thing!

[KCBOOMER]

I'd really like the Padres to get in to reward them for how they prepared for their initial season in Petco, but the Cubbies should cruise home.