Does playoff experience count in this Cubs-Diamondbacks matchup?
If it does, the Cubs have a huge edge. Ten Cubs have won a postseason series, and six have played in the World Series.
The D’backs have four with experience: Eric Byrnes (Oakland, 2001-02-03), Tony Clark (Yankees, 2004), Juan Cruz (Cubs, 2003; Atlanta, 2004) and Livan Hernandez (Florida, 1997; San Francisco, 2000, ’02).
“We’ll see,” manager Bob Melvin said. “We’ll just see how it plays out.
“Our guys are pretty excitable. They like to go out and play. I think some of them are a little bit immune to what’s going on. Being that we haven’t been in the postseason, it’s kind of an unknown.”
While Game 1 starter Brandon Webb hasn’t pitched in the postseason, he has started two games this season he considers very important. The first was Aug. 22 against the Brewers, when he was trying to keep his 42-inning scoreless streak intact. The second was Friday in Colorado, the game that clinched the playoffs.
“That game I started against the Brewers (a 3-2 victory) was the most pressure I’ve felt in my career,” Webb said. “I didn’t feel too much pressure going into the game last Friday.
“I think these games should probably compare to something like the end of the streak.”
Burner Byrnes
Byrnes became the 11th player in history to hit 20 home runs and steal 50 bases in one season.
“It’s something I take a lot of pride in, being able to hit for power and steal a lot of bases,” Byrnes said when he accomplished the feat. “The stolen base thing, I must admit, I didn’t expect. I knew I could get 30, maybe 40.”
His previous high had been 25. This year he stole 50 and hit 21 homers.
Byrnes is a notoriously hyperactive free spirit, has blond-surfer looks and is a dynamo wall-banger as an outfielder, as his teammates have discovered in his first season with them. Byrnes replaced local favorite Luis Gonzalez.
“Totally different,” Webb said. “He’s taken over the fan base. He’s loud and vibrant, and Gonzo’s kind of laid-back. Whatever works for him.”
Byrnes has done network television and is a willing participant for radio.
“We get on him,” Webb said. “He’s on TV or radio every day. When we come to the park, he’s already done about three things. He’s got his own show in Phoenix. He actually does a good job with it.”
Extra innings
How tall is ex-Cub and current Diamondback Augie Ojeda … really? “Five feet 7 1/2,” Ojeda insisted. He’s listed at 5-8. “And don’t forget the half.” … Justin Upton has been cleared to play after X-rays on his left forearm were negative. He was hit by a pitch Saturday in Colorado. … Arizona was 8-for-8 in steals against the Cubs this season, although none came against Geovany Soto. Two were against Jason Kendall.
