The Cubs will try to build on their 3 game winning streak against the Atlanta Braves, with Jon Lester (2-1 1.98 ERA) looking for his first win at Wrigley Field this season against Righty Aaron Blair. Blair is 0-1 with a 5.06 ERA. This will be Blair's second start, after being brought up from AAA and facing the Mets. Against the Mets, he went 5 1/3 innings and surrendered 3 runs in the loss. Lackey and Hammel will follow Lester in the series and with Atlanta struggling, this should be another series where the Cubs can prosper and perhaps extend their lead in the NL Central. Rizzo has out-homered the Braves by himself, so to say the Atlanta offense has struggled, is akin to saying Lizzy Borden could be a bit of a nuisance with an axe.

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Go Cubs!!!!

They'd better win two, and they should win three. Even with Fedorowicz catching one game and Bryant maybe missing the entire series (maybe a PH or two) to rest his ankle.

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"When people want their version of the truth, they go find it, no matter how baseless their beliefs." -- Ken Rosenthal

Probably not going to get a game in on Saturday, but 2 wins should be expected. The rain-out throws the pitching rotation off a bit for the Pirates series. If they don't play Saturday, it will be Hammel, Hendricks then Arrieta, when it would have been Arrieta, Lester, Lackey without the rain-outs. Also won't see Arrieta in the Nationals series.

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They could also just skip Hendricks if it rains out Saturday.

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"When people want their version of the truth, they go find it, no matter how baseless their beliefs." -- Ken Rosenthal

I considered that possibility as well. But Maddon doesn't do that much. I thought a couple times last year he might skip the 5th starter when there was an opportunity and he didn't. Even had a bullpen day a couple times, rather than moving guys up. I wouldn't be shocked if they had a double header on Sunday if Saturday's game is rained out. Don't want to have guys pushed back too far with the off day Monday and then the rain-out.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Having Arrieta pitch against the Nationals would make for great theater. But the divisional games (especially VS the Pirates and Cardinals) are more important.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Agreed, just saying that he could have been in both series, but now you may only have him in one.

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it was weird how the Braves acquired Nick Swisher and then cut him just before the end of spring training. A.J. is still hanging around and he's been a pain in the neck VS the Cubs in the past. He and Tyler Flowers make up the Braves catching corps...weird they are together again. Nick Markakis is doing pretty well (4 for 5 yesterday with 3 RBI) and leading off these days. Freddy Freeman has some pop. But overall this team is not good. They did beat the Red Sox to earn their 5th victory yesterday though. Looking over their team for players the Cubs might scavenge at the trade deadline for a prospect, there really isn't much there. What a far cry from the team that won 14 straight division titles.

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Go Cubs!!!!

They hated each other as White Sox. AJ was openly a penis to Flowers. Flowers is a holy roller so only responded with superficial politeness.

If I were Maddon, I would be running on these two all weekend.

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O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.

Reds, Brewers, and Braves. Good grief.

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He sent the runners with Rizzo at bat, but it was on a hit and run, rather than a straight steal. He needs to drop Heyward in the order, his biggest contributions lately have been walks. Fowler begins the game with a walk and Heyward couldn't even advance the runner. Just horrible lately.

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Go Cubs!!!!

I don't know if it's the weather or what, but it just seems like 2 teams going through the motions and the crowd seems sedated. Almost like a White Sox crowd, but with twice as many people in the stands. Gotta get the offense going and get some life into the crowd.

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Go Cubs!!!!

I hate you like you hate blacks.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

Back to baseball.........not surprised to see the 2nd bunt attempt without a runner on base VS Lester. I expect the trend to continue. Other than the 3-0 fastball Freeman that he went yard on, Lester has been pretty good so far.

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Go Cubs!!!!

Darn that wind! On a day with no wind Russell would probably have 2 homers.

ANOTHER big hit by Ross!!!

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Go Cubs!!!!

Foreeeevererr younnnngggg, I wannaaaa beee, foreverrr younggg

Settle down Ponce.

It's only a matter of time before Ross tests positive.

He's probably stop producing natural testosterone, so taking PEDs will probably not set off any flags.

I'm ashamed to admit I chuckled at this.

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For a team full of good baserunners, Fowler sure does suck at it. Fucking moron.

I let Heyward sucking at the plate slide so far because he's so good at everything else but I'm starting to get a little pissy about it now. Fucking do something.

How do you walk Tyler Flowers?

Funny that Lester still can't throw to first.

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Fare you well, fare you well
I love you more than words can tell
Listen to the river sing sweet songs
To rock my soul

Would love to see the Braves bunt every time. They wouldn't have to be good bunts, but make sure it gets to Lester.

I would've bunted with the bases loaded. All you have to do is make sure Lester fields it and you probably get a run there.

Yes it's the 2016 Braves, but you still gotta give credit to Lester for getting out of that inning without allowing a run.

Well Warren G definitively proved that rappers are not singers. My goodness.

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Rick Hahn is the best GM in baseball.

I was so close to snapping there that I was shaking. Seriously, like I don't even know what to say. The mix of rage and joy after that inning is something I can't comprehend at the moment.

Gay, it's April.

You're going to burn out before we hit June.

Worry about your own

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I'm going to bounce from the spot for awhile but I will be back at some point to argue with you about this hoops stuff again. Playoffs have been great this season. See ya up the road.

I'm out.

That was so bad I'm thinking about asking Steve where the next meeting is.

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Power is always in the hands of the masses of men. What oppresses the masses is their own ignorance, their own short-sighted selfishness.
- Henry George