zambrano couldnt come through for the sweep yesterday. lost cubs alternate runline after hitting the colorado moneyline and the anaheim total under 8.5
playing philadelphia (-1.5) (+140) this afternoon.
one thing that has been pretty consistent over the years is the way teams respond to a big win with a quality performance the next time out ... before hitting a bit of a wall of sorts and falling flat when asked to respond a second time.
in this case, colorado had the crazy extra-inning win against san diego on monday. but they were able to ride that emotional buzz right through game one against philly to take a 1-0 lead despite being in what a lot of people felt could be a very difficult spot.
its similar to how teams respond to being without a key starter in football or basketball. they can usually come together and rally to play well the first game after the injury but its the games immediately following that where it becomes a lot tougher to get it done.
not trying to take this thread in a 'psychology of sport' direction necessarily, but ill just say that this afternoon's matchup will be the biggest test yet for colorado.
... they rallied for the wild card
... they came basically cross country to take a 1-0 lead against the phils
... but now is where it gets tough. there isnt the emotional buzz to ride anymore, and there is a sense of complacency that can set in when you are up 1-0 and know that you have already 'done your job' and are going home with a split at worst.
i also like the fact that the phils will be facing a pitcher in morales who has a bit of trouble with his command from time to time and its tough to succeed in a hitters park like philly when you put runners on base with walks or go deep into every count.
loved the rocks yesterday. love their team.
... but dont love 'em today. not at all.
philadelphia (-1.5) (+140)
playing philadelphia (-1.5) (+140) this afternoon.
one thing that has been pretty consistent over the years is the way teams respond to a big win with a quality performance the next time out ... before hitting a bit of a wall of sorts and falling flat when asked to respond a second time.
in this case, colorado had the crazy extra-inning win against san diego on monday. but they were able to ride that emotional buzz right through game one against philly to take a 1-0 lead despite being in what a lot of people felt could be a very difficult spot.
its similar to how teams respond to being without a key starter in football or basketball. they can usually come together and rally to play well the first game after the injury but its the games immediately following that where it becomes a lot tougher to get it done.
not trying to take this thread in a 'psychology of sport' direction necessarily, but ill just say that this afternoon's matchup will be the biggest test yet for colorado.
... they rallied for the wild card
... they came basically cross country to take a 1-0 lead against the phils
... but now is where it gets tough. there isnt the emotional buzz to ride anymore, and there is a sense of complacency that can set in when you are up 1-0 and know that you have already 'done your job' and are going home with a split at worst.
i also like the fact that the phils will be facing a pitcher in morales who has a bit of trouble with his command from time to time and its tough to succeed in a hitters park like philly when you put runners on base with walks or go deep into every count.
loved the rocks yesterday. love their team.
... but dont love 'em today. not at all.
philadelphia (-1.5) (+140)
