Saturday, September 29, 2007

Cubs name first 2 starters in playoffs.

Thanks to cubs.com-

CINCINNATI -- The Cubs aren't sure who they're playing in the National League Division Series, but they do have their first two starting pitchers set for the postseason.
Carlos Zambrano (18-13, 3.95 ERA) will start Game 1 of the NLDS and Ted Lilly (15-8, 3.86 ERA) will go in Game 2. Lilly will make his final regular season start on Sunday against the Reds, but wasn't expected to throw more than 40 pitches.
Rich Hill (11-8, 3.92 ERA) and Jason Marquis (12-9, 4.43 ERA) are the Cubs' other two postseason starters, but what order they will go in the NLDS was likely to be determined by who the team's opponent is.
"We'll play it by ear," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "Right now, we're just waiting to see where we're going to go. Nothing has been decided on except Zambrano and Lilly will be the first two pitchers."
Zambrano notched his career-high 18th win on Friday when the Cubs clinched the NL Central.
"His last two games have been really good and that has to buoy his confidence," Piniella said. "He's our ace."
"I'm ready, I'm excited," Zambrano said. "After I went to the playoffs in '03, I got thirsty and hungry for that first game. Now that I have more experience in the big leagues, I'm ready for the playoffs."
Piniella and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry did meet on Saturday to discuss the postseason roster, which does not have to be finalized until Wednesday morning.

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