Looks like Jon Lester will get the ball Friday night against either the Mets or the Giants. He will be followed by Hendricks, Arrieta, and Lackey, if necessary. Pretty much what was expected. I hate to root for anyone in the NL Wild Card game between the Giants and the Mets. All in all, the Cubs will match up better against the Mets starters, especially as their rotation has been decimated by injuries. I think the Giants, however, are the better team.
I watched much of the AL Wild Card between peeks at the VP debate. I wasn't much impressed with either team. Not that I am a big fan of AL baseball, but these teams seemed pretty evenly matched. The pitching was indifferent and both teams seemed to be built to score on the home run and little else. All but one of the runs scored by either team was the result of home runs, the final three scoring in the bottom of the eleventh on an Encarnation three-run homer which mercifully put an end to what had proved an almost interminable game.
These teams clearly liked to swing for the fences. There were twenty-three strikeouts as opposed to three walks. In the end, the pitchers left standing were two guys thought to be washed up, Ubaldo Jimenez and Francisco Liriano. I guess the verdict on Jimenez stands. Liriano, who had had a really miserable year with Pittsburgh before being traded to the Blue Jays and somewhat rescuing his career, pitched two impressive innings of relief to get the win.
Actually, the most remarkable part of the game was Showalter's decision not to use his star closer, Zach Britton, who had not allowed an earned run in months and was perfect in save opportunities. Rather typical of a guy who manages by the book. Only use your closer on the road if you are ahead even if it means the season is over.
All this being said, I would not be surprised to see Toronto beat the Rangers in the ALDS. I'm not a big fan of Texas either.
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