Originally posted by: exp
Cubs pitching rotation sets up pretty well for this series. Looks like it will be:
Game 1 (Chi): Zambrano
Game 2 (Chi): Prior
Game 3 (FL): Wood
Game 4 (FL): Clement
Game 5 (FL): Zambrano
Game 6 (Chi): Prior
Game 7 (Chi): Wood
I don't have much confidence in Zambo's ability to handle the game 1 pressure (he's hyper enough in regular season games), but with Prior ready to even things up at 1-1 and Wood set to start the first game in Florida the Cubs can rebound quickly. Plus, if it ever goes back to Chicago those last two games will also feature the Prior/Wood tandem.
The Marlins have been awesome for most of the season. They have good young starters, solid hitting (not Braves-caliber, though), and awesome base-stealers so this should be a fun, hard-fought series between two scrappy teams.
I would have Prior go game seven instead of Wood. I like Prior much better in pressure situations. Marlins are the best team right now in the postseason.
I have a feeling if Red Sox don't advance to the World Series, Marlins will win it all.