"Turd Throw" and other stories from the rancid NLC.

[Shooter]

So the Pirates are trading McCutchen and are apparently already waving the white flag for 2017:

Considering McCutchen's salary will be $14 million in 2017, a season which some in the Pirates organization privately concede will likely be a second straight without a postseason berth, and it seems certain that the 30-year-old could be dealt as soon next week during the Winter Meetings at National Harbor, Md.

So the Cubs could be in a division with three rebuilding teams next year. Not a bad way to start the title defense. Also Pirates fans are about the only fanbase that should be more angry than White Sox fans at a management that could easily keep the window of contention open with a few modest free agent signings and are opting to just punt a year or more instead.

Acknowledging the current OF logjam, I'm at least curious that the cost would be for McCutcheon. He's coming off a really down year, but his contract is very reasonable. 

I really doubt they'd ever trade him within the division, and he was legitimately one of the worst defensive CF in baseball last year. 1 year sample size defensive metrics are always to be taken with a big ass grain of salt but he's been trending downward for a long time there, and if his bat is gonna be merely pretty good and not elite he's not an upgrade over what the Cubs have in the corners anyway.

I'm not sure I buy that they'll be tanking on purpose.  They can't compete with a healthy Cubs team anyway but if they can get some major league ready players back (say Gallo and Profar from Texas, to start), they may do all right.

They need Cole to be healthy.
They'll get Taillon and Glasnow for a full season under the eye of Searge.
Polanco and Marte are awesome.
They'll have a full season of Josh Bell.

They probably need a starter or two (so maybe the Rangers aren't a perfect fit) but they may end up competing for a wild card anyway.

Yeah I doubt they'll go full tank but they aren't adding to last year's team and they are trading away Cutch. Basically everything would have to go right and they'd have to get by without any major injuries because they seem unlikely to add at the deadline if they're in the hunt. My guess is another 79 win season

Part of the reason they're willing to trade McCutchen is that they think Austin Meadows is ready for full-time work. If they could get a decent 1B and a mid-rotation starter for McCutchen, I think they'd be a wild card contender.

[Saul Goodman]

Jung-Ho Kang arrested for DUI, fleeing the scene in Korea. You know, I'm starting to think he may not be such a great guy. Maybe Chris Coghlan was on to something.

[Quality Start Machine]

Jung-Ho Kang arrested for DUI, fleeing the scene in Korea. You know, I'm starting to think he may not be such a great guy. Maybe Chris Coghlan was on to something.

Whatever happened with his rape case in Chicago?

[Saul Goodman]

Jung-Ho Kang arrested for DUI, fleeing the scene in Korea. You know, I'm starting to think he may not be such a great guy. Maybe Chris Coghlan was on to something.

Whatever happened with his rape case in Chicago?

Still under investigation, last I heard from a report out of Pittsburgh in September.

[Yeti]

Jung-Ho Kang arrested for DUI, fleeing the scene in Korea. You know, I'm starting to think he may not be such a great guy. Maybe Chris Coghlan was on to something.

Whatever happened with his rape case in Chicago?

Still under investigation, last I heard from a report out of Pittsburgh in September.

From CFiHP?

[Saul Goodman]

Jung-Ho Kang arrested for DUI, fleeing the scene in Korea. You know, I'm starting to think he may not be such a great guy. Maybe Chris Coghlan was on to something.

Whatever happened with his rape case in Chicago?

Still under investigation, last I heard from a report out of Pittsburgh in September.

From CFiHP?

[flannj]

Jung-Ho Kang arrested for DUI, fleeing the scene in Korea. You know, I'm starting to think he may not be such a great guy. Maybe Chris Coghlan was on to something.

Whatever happened with his rape case in Chicago?

Still under investigation, last I heard from a report out of Pittsburgh in September.

From CFiHP?

[Brownie]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

Awfully optimistic for a guy who lost his nerve and threw in the towel on a  better team that had the temerity to trail in the 8th inning of a game in a series in which they were still leading.

[Brownie]

I will never live down Game 4 of the NLDS, will I? If it's any consolation to you, it made Game 7 of the World Series much more easier to live through.

[Canadouche]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

Awfully optimistic for a guy who lost his nerve and threw in the towel on a  better team that had the temerity to trail in the 8th inning of a game in a series in which they were still leading.

How do you keep track of this shit? Is it on a spreadsheet? ("Gave up, Game 4.")

Or do you have, like, a post-it on your monitor or something?

[Tonker]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

Awfully optimistic for a guy who lost his nerve and threw in the towel on a  better team that had the temerity to trail in the 8th inning of a game in a series in which they were still leading.

How do you keep track of this shit? Is it on a spreadsheet? ("Gave up, Game 4.")

Or do you have, like, a post-it on your monitor or something?

To be fair, it was a pretty high-profile moment and prompted quite a lot of discussion on the various social media sites.  Fork's not the only one who remembers an otherwise sane and rational TJ MELTING DOWN LIKE A COMMON SKO AT THE SLIGHTEST SIGN OF TROUBLE.

[Quality Start Machine]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

Awfully optimistic for a guy who lost his nerve and threw in the towel on a  better team that had the temerity to trail in the 8th inning of a game in a series in which they were still leading.

How do you keep track of this shit? Is it on a spreadsheet? ("Gave up, Game 4.")

Or do you have, like, a post-it on your monitor or something?

To be fair, it was a pretty high-profile moment and prompted quite a lot of discussion on the various social media sites.  Fork's not the only one who remembers an otherwise sane and rational TJ MELTING DOWN LIKE A COMMON SKO AT THE SLIGHTEST SIGN OF TROUBLE.

Yeah, but Teej wore a belt.

[World's #1 Astros Fan]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

Awfully optimistic for a guy who lost his nerve and threw in the towel on a  better team that had the temerity to trail in the 8th inning of a game in a series in which they were still leading.

How do you keep track of this shit? Is it on a spreadsheet? ("Gave up, Game 4.")

Or do you have, like, a post-it on your monitor or something?

Never forget.

[SKO]

OK,

Let's get this started with a mildly optimistic outlook for the Cubs and Brewers and an extremely optimistic outlook for the Cardinals. (Click on the link for a more readable view)

Cubs (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   @ BAL   2-1   45-46   (6.5)   1.0
2   @ ATL   1-2   46-48   (8.0)   (0.5)
3   vs. STL   2-1   48-49   (8.0)   0.5
4   vs. SOX   2-0   50-49   (7.0)   1.5
5   @ SOX   0-2   50-51   (7.5)   0.0
6   @ MIL   2-1   52-52   (6.5)   (0.5)
7   vs. ARZ   2-1   54-53   (5.5)   (0.5)
8   vs. WAS   1-2   55-55   (5.5)   (1.5)
9   vs. -   0-0   55-55   (4.5)   (1.5)
10   @ SF   2-1   57-56   (4.0)   (2.0)
11   @ ARZ   1-2   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
12   vs. -   0-0   58-58   (6.0)   (3.0)
13   vs. CIN   3-1   61-59   (6.0)   (1.0)
14   vs. TOR   2-1   63-60   (5.0)   (0.5)
15   @ CIN   2-1   65-61   (5.0)   (1.5)
16   @ PHL   2-1   67-62   (3.0)   (1.5)
17   vs. PIT   2-1   69-63   (2.5)   (1.0)
18   vs. ATL   3-1   72-64   (1.5)   1.0
19   @ PIT   2-2   74-66   (2.0)   1.0
20   vs. MIL   2-1   76-67   (1.0)   1.0
21   vs. NYM   2-1   78-68   (2.0)   0.0
22   vs. STL   2-1   80-69   (2.0)   1.0
23   @ TBR   1-1   81-70   (1.5)   0.5
24   @ MIL   2-2   83-72   (1.5)   0.0
25   @ STL   2-2   85-74   (1.0)   0.0
26   vs. CIN   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      37 home, 37 away         

Brewers 50-41               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs   Games Ahead (Back) of STL
1   vs. PHL   3-0   53-41   6.5    7.5
2   @ PIT   3-1   56-42   8.0    7.5
3   @ PHL   2-1   58-43   8.0    8.5
4   vs.    0-0   58-43   7.0    8.5
5   @ WAS   1-2   59-45   7.5    7.5
6   vs. CUBS   1-2   60-47   6.5    6.0
7   vs. STL   1-2   61-49   5.5    5.0
8   @ TBR   1-2   62-51   5.5    4.0
9   @ MIN   0-2   62-53   4.5    3.0
10   vs. MIN   1-1   63-54   4.0    2.0
11   vs. CIN   3-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
12   vs.    0-0   66-54   6.0    3.0
13   vs. PIT   2-0   68-54   6.0    5.0
14   @ COL   1-2   69-56   5.0    4.5
15   @ SF   2-1   71-57   5.0    3.5
16   @ LA   0-3   71-60   3.0    1.5
17   vs. STL   1-1   72-61   2.5    1.5
18   vs. WAS   2-2   74-63   1.5    2.5
19   @ CIN   2-1   76-64   2.0    3.0
20   @ CUBS   1-2   77-66   1.0    2.0
21   vs. PIT   3-0   80-66   2.0    2.0
22   @ MIA   2-1   82-67   2.0    3.0
23   @ PIT   1-2   83-69   1.5    2.0
24   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-71   1.5    1.5
25   vs. CIN   1-2   86-73   1.0    1.0
26   @ STL   1-2   87-75   0.0    0.0
      37-34         
      32 home, 39 away         

Cardinals (43-45)               
               
Series #   Series   Proj Result   Record at Series End   Games Ahead (Back) of Cubs)   Games Ahead (Back) of MIL
1   @ PIT   1-2   44-47   (1.0)   (7.5)
2   @ NYM   3-1   47-48   0.5    (7.5)
3   @ CUBS   1-2   48-50   (0.5)   (8.5)
4   vs. -   0-0   48-50   (1.5)   (8.5)
5   vs. COL   2-1   50-51   0.0    (7.5)
6   vs. AZ   3-1   53-52   0.5    (6.0)
7   @ MIL   2-1   55-53   0.5    (5.0)
8   @ CIN   2-1   57-54   1.5    (4.0)
9   @ KC   1-1   58-55   1.5    (3.0)
10   vs. KC   2-0   60-55   2.0    (2.0)
11   vs. ATL   2-1   62-56   3.0    (3.0)
12   @ BOS   1-1   63-57   3.0    (3.0)
13   @ PIT   1-3   64-60   1.0    (5.0)
14   vs. -   0-0   64-60   0.5    (4.5)
15   vs. SD   3-0   67-60   1.5    (3.5)
16   vs. TBR   2-1   69-61   1.5    (1.5)
17   @ MIL   1-1   70-62   1.0    (1.5)
18   @ SF   1-3   71-65   (1.0)   (2.5)
19   @ SD   2-2   73-67   (1.0)   (3.0)
20   vs. PIT   2-1   75-68   (1.0)   (2.0)
21   vs. CIN   3-0   78-68   0.0    (2.0)
22   @ CUBS   1-2   79-70   (1.0)   (3.0)
23   @ CIN   2-1   81-71   (0.5)   (2.0)
24   @ PIT   2-1   83-72   0.0    (1.5)
25   vs. CUBS   2-2   85-74   0.0    (1.0)
26   vs. MIL   2-1   87-75   0.0    0.0
      44-30         
      31 home, 43 away         


Thoughts? I'll update.

Awfully optimistic for a guy who lost his nerve and threw in the towel on a  better team that had the temerity to trail in the 8th inning of a game in a series in which they were still leading.

How do you keep track of this shit? Is it on a spreadsheet? ("Gave up, Game 4.")

Or do you have, like, a post-it on your monitor or something?

Never forget.

TJ actually out-did my pessimism twice. He declared them dead during their 5-15 stretch last July too.