Perhaps the easy finishing schedule of the Cubs is going to be the deciding factor after all. The Cubs play Cinn 8 more times and Mets 3 and Pitts 3 more times.Giants on the other hand will have their last 15 games against Dodgers, Padres and Astros, all teams with a winning record. Cubs have 1 game left with Marlins and 3 at home with Braves. Cubs and Red Sox in the World Series.... You heard it here ! LOL
I agree that no matter how easy the schedule, you still have to win the games and there are teams like Angels and Marlins who lost a double hitter to lowly Expos who choke. However, to say that an easy finishing schedule doesn't improve your chances is simply being naive. Cubs will prove that easy schedule means " Cubs Win, Cubs Win "
Hope yourn right Kermit,but I can't agree with earlier post that Angels losing doesn't matter because they play each other 6 more times. The farther you get back the more games you have to beat Oakland. You don't want to have to sweep all 6 games which they wouldn't do. Good chance you'll split those 6 games and still be 2 out
Speaking of schedules, one must be aware that Padres are in the midst of a 10 game road trip with 1 more game at L.A. and then 3 at S.F. They then have 9 straight at home with 3 each with L.A., S.F. and lowly Diamondbacks and finishing with 3 at Diamondbacks If they stay close, they could have a nice finishing push. None of the contenders have 6 games remaining with Diamondbacks ! It's a longshot but you can buy them at 50/1
Very good point on Randy Johnson pitching makes beating the Diamondbacks a tough challenge. However Diamondbacks record in games in which Randy Johnson has started is only 13-17 so Randy is certainly no sure thing ! I like the Padres as a real nice sleeper at 50/1
SD needs a lot of help though. 4 games behind the Cubs in the loss column. Just with the Cubs, even if the Cubs stumbled and finished 10-8, SD would need to go 11-4 just to tie. I would SD will need at least a 12-3 finish to have any shot at all. Anything is possible, but 50/1 is about right.
SF still has a real shot to win the West.
SF still has a real shot to win the West.
Just commenting on whether the Padres will catch Randy Johnson twice more in their 6 remaining games. Yes, the pitching rotation would indicate that Padres will catch Randy in both of their 3 game series unless something strange happens or an injury which certainly does make a 6-0 unlikely.
