October: Halloween and Playoffs

Wednesday is the start of what is sure to be an interesting playoff season. Of course this is true for every game, but here I’m focused on the Cubs and the Diamondbacks. Arizona has a 50-31 record at home and a 4-2 record against the Cubs this season. Impressive numbers but nothing to be extremely intimidated by. Chicago seems to struggle every time they fly out there and all fans can do is hope that they have more success than in previous games. Looks like it’s going to be a late night.

What’s the schedule look like for the rest of the series?

Game 2: Thursday at 9 p.m. (at Arizona)
Game 3: Saturday at 5 p.m. (at Wrigley)
Game 4: Sunday at noon (at Wrigley)
Game 5: Tuesday at 9 p.m. (at Arizona)

Piniella plans to start Carlos Zambrano (18-13) in Game 1 and hopes to possibly have him pitch one more game if necessary. Big Z hasn't faced Arizona this season.

''They're a good young ballclub that plays hard, similar to the way the Marlins play, with a lot of energy,'' shortstop Ryan Theriot said. ''And you know what you're going to get with their pitching: good starting pitching and a great bullpen.''

But, Theriot added, ''I like this matchup. This one's good for us. We'll see what happens. We've got Big Z going, and we feel real confident with him on the mound and everyone else coming behind him.''

Remember when I asked about Cubs playoff tickets? Well, I’d still love some as would many Cubbies fans. Postseason tickets are going on sale at cubs.com starting at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 4. Now all I need is $275 for a dugout box and a car to get to Wrigley Field. I guess I could take a bus and only spend $90 for the bleacher box. But hey, it’s the playoffs and the Cubs are playing! Might as well go all out.



Speaking of going all out, the downtown rally honoring the Cubs was held this afternoon. Hundreds of fans gathered, even in the rain, to celebrate the Cubs making it into the playoffs. All who attended agreed on one thing: this is our year.