Lose to win? Down the stretch to the wild card

[ElTexan]

Lose to win? Down the stretch to the wild card

So, it seems as if the Giants are gone.

So, if we're going down the stretch, whether it looks like we can catch the Pirates or not, would you consider saving our relievers' and closer's arms where we can as well as maneuvering to get Arrieta into the wildcard play-in game instead of doing the best we can to win every game?

Or do you think that this young team should try to win every game, no matter what the game situation, so that these players have maximal confidence going into the play-in game?

 

[RamCub]

Depends if we can catch the Pirates for home field advantage in the one game wild card playoff. Right now, we are only four games out and McCutcheon is dinged up.

 

[ElTexan]

Home field advantage isn't as important as Arrieta pitching.

If we were down 1 and 2 games to go, I'd skip Artieta's turn and save him for the play-in

 

[Johnny Sleeper]

Home field with Lester is much better than on the road with Arrieta. The Cubs are not going to advance past the divisional series without Arrieta doing something he has never done in his career which is pitch on short rest. There is no reason to force a shorter rest for him than needed. If you can't throw Lester and Arrieta 4 times against the Cardinals do you really think it matters who pitches against the Pirates?

 

[anotheridiot]

well Haren just dominated the cardinals, so I guess it does matter who pitches the wild card game.

cubs now 2 behind the Pirates, getting help from the reds. What the hell with this division when the reds build back up again. Fourth place might have 90 wins.