NEWSLETTER
And here it is. The final series of the year. There’s a chance it could still be meaningful for the Cubs, but pretty much only if they sweep. The Brewers are sweepable, but it’s always hard to count on that.
We’re Going Streaking
The Cubs quietly lost three in a row last week – did you even notice? – but then they followed it with five straight wins, as they so often have this year. The latest was a sweep over the Reds, who will use that sweep as the foundation for a turnaround against the Pirates. Probably.
The Brewers are actually winners of four of their last six, which came against the Cardinals and the Padres. So, be careful, Cubs.
Game Times and Broadcasts
And, if you’re not in the blackout region, you can always watch on MLB.tv.
Expected Starters and Lineups
These lineups are likely to be pretty close to what actually gets fielded, but you’ll want to check each day’s Pre-Gamin’ post for the actual lineup.
Cubs
Starters: Jake Arrieta (1.82 ERA, 2.40 FIP; 4.77 K/BB), Kyle Hendricks (4.09 ERA, 3.46 FIP; 3.70 K/BB), Dan Haren (4.30 ERA, 4.80 FIP; 3.42 K/BB)
Lineup:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Kyle Schwarber, LF
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Chris Coghlan, RF
- Miguel Montero, C
- Javy Baez/Starlin Castro/Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Pitcher
- Addison Russell, SS
Brewers
Starters: Ariel Pena (3.91 ERA, 3.57 FIP; 1.75 K/BB), Tyler Wagner (11.74 ERA, 6.27 FIP; 0.40 K/BB), Jorge Lopez (5.40 ERA, 1.54 FIP; 3.50 K/BB)
Lineup:
- I don’t know … Scooter Gennett, 2B?
- Beats me … Elian Herrera, 3B?
- Not Ryan Braun, RF
- Probably Adam Lind, 1B
- Khris Davis, LF will be in there sometimes
- Logan Schafer, CF didn’t look so good against Arrieta last time
- Jean Segura, SS hasn’t tried to steal first base from second base this year
- Martin Candy Maldonado, C
- Pitcher
Hot or Not and Whom to Watch
The only pitcher on the Cubs with a better ERA and FIP and xFIP than Jake Arrieta? Trevor Cahill. (Small sample, obviously … but still. That’s fun.)
Kyle Hendricks in September: 3.71 ERA, 3.06 FIP, 2.43 xFIP in 26.2 innings.
Dan Haren in September: 2.36 ERA, 3.33 FIP, 4.63 xFIP in 26.2 innings. Just a funny contrast there.
Khris Davis has hit really well for the Brewers this year – .247/.324/.501 – but has been so bad defensively that his WAR is just 1.3.
Adam Lind has himself some insane splits: 139 wRC+ against righties this year, 57 wRC+ against lefties; 155 wRC+ at home, 90 wRC+ on the road. So, basically, he’s going to crush Cubs righties in this series in Milwaukee.
