This game should sail OVER the total. BigDaddy is right about the cold not being a factor, and Zambrano struggled as of late. However, there are a couple other factors that are more important.
First, the Marlins will run all day on Cubs pitching. The Cubbies are very poor at holding runners on base. As emotional as Zambrano is I expect him to be frustrated by the Fish on the bases.
Secondly, the Cubs are a very good fast ball hitting team. "Chicks dig the long ball" will be alive and well tonight at Wrigleyville with Beckett blazing his 95+ an hour fastball. He had better use his curve a lot tonight otherwise he will be is serious sh*t!
Look at how the Cubs hit Smoltz and his fastballs. They will not be scared of Beckett's pitching. Another thing to consider is this....first inning jitters. Both Zamby and Beckett are pitching in a HUGE game. I expect both teams to take a lot of pitches early. Especally the Fish, then steal, hit and run, manufacture a run or two.
The Fish beat a very good Giant team and can score runs late as we all saw. I put ZERO stock in the Cubs bullpen and if Zamby has to leave early (by early I mean 7th inning or less) the Fish will get into that bullpen and if your money is on the Cubs or the under then you need some devine intervention. Anyone have any other thoughts on this?
[This message was edited by Stalker-Dude on October 07, 2003 at 01:31 PM.]
[This message was edited by Stalker-Dude on October 07, 2003 at 02:22 PM.]