Thursday, March 27, 2008

Yet Another Cubs World Series Prediction

We all know by now that nobody thinks the Brewers will win the NL Central this year. Brad included.

Now even the fantasy baseball nerds are getting into the prediction business...here's what Eric Karabell says about the Brewers' chances of winning the division (in the guise of reviewing Eric Gagne's fantasy-worthiness as a closer):

25. Eric Gagne, Brewers: I could see him pitching well for his latest team, but I still have concerns about how his arm will feel in the second half of the season. All closers deserve attention in fantasy, even the bad and the brittle, and Gagne is a decent sleeper if he can keep his arm intact. I'll predict 22 saves, and Derrick Turnbow is a constant free agent pickup (and drop) the first three months of the season. Then Turnbow gets his chance, walks the ballpark and cedes the role to the one guy here with the long-term deal, David Riske. He ends up with 13 saves down the stretch as the Brewers can't make up the September double-digit deficit to the Cubs.

Next in line: Derrick Turnbow
Stealth guy: David Riske

Also worth noting - Karabell is predicting the Cubs to represent the NL in the World Series...also in the guise of reviewing Kerry Wood's fantasy-worthiness at closer.

27. Kerry Wood, Cubs: In a perfect world, the Cubs would win the World Series and Wood would get the last out. Well, I think the Cubs are going to represent the NL in the fall classic, but Carlos Marmol will be the one getting that final out. There's no way I can call Rich Harden a sell-high guy after his shutdown performance against the Red Sox in Japan and recommend Wood. Injuries will derail them both. Even the most optimistic among us have to question whether Wood will be able to pitch back-to-back days as the season progresses. I give Wood 16 saves but Marmol 20. And Bobby Howry gets one. One lonely save.

Next in line: Carlos Marmol
Stealth guy: Michael Wuertz

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Behind the Cubs by at least 10 games? Is this guy a drunk?

Anonymous said...

that's ok...skip bayless just picked the cardinals to win the division this year because of mulder and carpenter ... talk about drunk!