Tribune baseball reporter Phil Rogers takes a quick look at the division series matchup:
STARTING PITCHING
Derek Lowe finished the season pitching better than anybody in the playoffs, with the possible exception of CC Sabathia. But the Cubs had the best set of starters in the majors this season and can count on strong efforts from Ryan Dempster, Rich Harden and Ted Lilly. Carlos Zambrano is a mystery man.
CUBS
RELIEF PITCHING
Despite the injury to Takashi Saito that turned Jonathan Broxton into the closer, the Los Angeles bullpen has been a strength all season. The Cubs’ bullpen hasn’t been as strong as it should be given the presence of Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol, ranking eighth in the NL with a 4.09 ERA.
DODGERS
HITTING
The difference was huge before the trading deadline, but Los Angeles reinvented itself with deals for Manny Ramirez and Casey Blake. The Cubs have a deeper lineup but have to be worried about Ramirez, who has been a beast in October.
DODGERS
BENCH
Both teams have attractive options, but Los Angeles has a collection of dangerous and experienced veterans in the wings, including Nomar Garciaparra, Jeff Kent and Juan Pierre.
DODGERS
FIELDING
The Cubs have allowed the fewest unearned runs of any playoff team.
CUBS
MANAGERS
Maybe you can choose between Lou Piniella and Joe Torre, but we can’t.
CUBS
INTANGIBLES
Home field should be a huge advantage, but the Cubs’ last three playoff games at Wrigley Field were spectacular disappointments. The expectation that this is the Cubs’ year is an extra burden for a franchise that hasn’t won a pennant since 1945 or a World Series since 1908.
DODGERS
Phil Rogers’ pick: Cubs in 5
– – –
What do you think will happen?
Cubs sweep? Dodgers in 5? Cast your vote and see what others are thinking at chicagotribune.com/cubspoll
