GDT NLWC-Cubs (Arrieta) @ Pirates (Cole) 7:08 CDT

[Cronos]

Pirates banking on speed and defense to make the difference.

I like that approach in a game like this.

[jagtrader]

Even though Maddon is half carnival barker, half manager, I like batting La Stella fifth. You want a contact hitter behind your OBP guys in a likely low-scoring game. And you have the bench to sub early if you fall behind.

[dmarx114]

Pirates banking on speed and defense to make the difference.

I like that approach in a game like this.

Alvarez 2-17, Ramirez 2-19 vs Arrieta.

#notecards

[Jocephus]

David Schoenfield SweetSpot blogger

Tonight's lineups are certainly, umm, interesting. The Cubs are playing Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber in the outfield ... in order to get Tommy La Stella's bat at 3B. But La Stella has played just 81 innings at third in his pro career, Bryant has started just 10 games in the outfield and Schwarber has played just 14 innings in RF. The Pirates have benched Pedro Alvarez to get the better glove in Sean Rodriguez at 1B.

[ZigZagCardsFan]

[dmarx114]

Come on Pittsburgh, you're better than that.

Inning 9 should be the strategy the whole game. Just make noise.

[Secret Weapon]

Ha that reminds me of the totally lame "Rams Rules"

[ZigZagCardsFan]

Paul Konrad ‏@PaulKonrad
@Cubs fans sneak into store across from @Pirates ballpark and switch letters to show #Cubs support. #FlytheW

[AWvsCBsteeeerike3]

I'm so excited for this game...I can't work. And, I have nothing invested in it.

According to Vegas the cubs are small favorites, fwiw.
Cubs -130
Bucs +120

[BW23]

Jayson Stark ‏@jaysonst 1m1 minute ago
On the #Cubs' side: Kyle Schwarber in RF. Played there twice - in last 2 games of year. Kris Bryant in LF. Only 2 starts there - 9/11 & 10/2