That was a great Game 1 for the Cubs. The Lester vs. Cueto battle was an example of two really high-level pitchers ballin' the F out. So locked in. October baseball is big boy baseball and both of those guys pitched like a boss.
Javy Baez is dynamic. So much talent. Hoping he has the kind of postseason that causes the casual baseball fan figure that out. Last night was a good step towards that. Anyone who watches him play regularly already knows. Lightning bat speed and a threat to go yard at any time, but his defense is also outstanding at multiple positions and has really become the best part of his game. I think Joe Maddon will have a hard time not starting him for every postseason game but even if there are a couple he doesn't start he is a great bat/defensive replacement option to bring in later in the game.
Speaking of defense, the Cubs are far and away the best team in baseball from a run prevention standpoint and that is going to play a factor in this postseason. It already has as they turned a couple of early base runners into outs last night. As tight as games can be in October that aspect of the game of the game is big.
They need to come out and win again tonight because otherwise the script flips a little and the series is at 1-1 going to SF with MadBum on the bump. I am a bit nervous about Kyle Hendricks though. He was unbelievable all season, especially at Wrigley (8-2 1.32 ERA 0.86 WHIP at home) but I need to see him do it in the postseason to truly believe he is as good as he's shown this season. Will not be surprised if he pitched 6 innings of 1 run baseball and also will not be shocked if he gives 4 or 5 earned in 3 innings.
I won't be able to watch most of tonight's game in real time as I am playing tour guide to a childhood friend who has never been here before. Kind of sucks but at the same time it will save me some stress of hanging on every pitch. For the most part I am strangely calm though. That can change in the blink of an eye but the Cubs have the better team and just have to make a few more plays than the Giants. Having them in a situation where they have to win 3 of the next 4 is nice. October tho...