Chicago Cubs

World Series Game 4 Pregame Bits and Pieces to Chew On

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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It’s World Series Game 4 at Wrigley Field tonight with first pitch scheduled for 8:08 PM ET. Here’s a few outtakes that might prove to be relevant when the game gets underway.

**** In his last three postseason starts, John Lackey has not lasted more than four innings.

**** On short rest, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Corey Kluber go five innings or less, regardless of how well he is pitching. This with an eye toward a potential Game 7.

**** After tonight, the starting pitching gets a little thin for the Indians. Do you bring Trevor Bauer back for another try? Or maybe you go with the kid again and see if there’s more magic in Ryan Merritt? Terry Francona is earning his money.

**** Is there a ceiling on the cost of anything in Chicago right now?

**** So much for the big, bad wind blowing out theory at Wrigley last night, huh?

**** Has there been a recent World Series where there has been two better managers than Joe Maddon and Terry Francona?

**** Just think, if you are “done with” this 108-year thing, we might get to do it all over again next year.

**** Mike Napoli is hitting .200, Lonnie Chisenhall .211 and Jason Kipnis .167. It’s all smoke and mirrors, isn’t it?

**** Don’t be surprised if Jason Heyward is in the Chicago lineup tonight. (He’s in. Just saw the posted lineup.)

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**** Joe West hasn’t thrown anyone out of a game yet. Maybe that’s because he hasn’t umpired behind the plate yet. Don’t worry, though, he started in right field and is working his way around the bases.

**** Isn’t it ironic that the National League team is the one most hurt by there being no DH at Wrigley and Kyle Schwarber is reduced to one at bat a game as a pinch hitter?

**** Vegas puts the Cubs as the favorite to win tonight, but they have the Indians as the favorite to win the Series for the first time.

**** But in case you can’t make up your mind, Pete Rose says, “Bet on the Cubs.”

**** Doesn’t it seem like Cubs fans should be enjoying themselves more? Or is it just the FOX cameras that only seem to pan to fans who look like the world is about to end?

**** This World Series is deserving of a seventh and winner-take-all game.

**** I’d give a year’s pay to see Aroldis Chapman and his 105 mph fastball in person right behind the backstop. What did you think I was going to say – from the batter’s box? You think I’m nuts?

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