I would take Micah over Felix, and I think Howry deserves his shot, but he and Cotts worry me.

I agree with everyone about Howry, but I actually like the move of Pie over Hoffpauir. In a short five game series, defense is important. Especially with a good pitching team like the Dodgers. Speed and defense may be the difference. Not to mention Pie has played well as of late and could play an important role as a pinch runner.

No doubt that is Howry continues to struggle in the NLDS and we advance, he would be left off in favor of someone else (a healthy, effective Gaudin would be nice).

Let's go get 'em tomorrow Demp!!

I pick Howry over the other available players....certainly would not want Hart...Gaudin is obviously hurting....only consideration would be to Weurtz for ground balls....the upside on Howry is he doesnt walk anyone and can strike people out.....

Also since you point out stats, I'm sure you also read that Howry pitched 3 games against the Dodgers this year and held them in check to be able to get 2 wins....

Not to mention he pitched the entire year on the club....he deserves to be there for the playoffs. We won 97 games with him on the staff....won the division with him on the staff....had the best record in the NL with him on the staff....so Lou just needs to be careful when using him....

Breaking news-- The Sox made it.

It's been 102 years since both Chicago teams made it to the postseason, and that was the era when these 2 champions go directly head-to-head in the World Series.

The Sox won 4-2.

I'll love to see a revenge.

Joe S,

What part of Howrys ~5.40 ERA, .310 batting average against and 1.46 WHIP makes you say you would want him on the playoff roster?

He has been a HORROR this year... sorry, not mediocre -- a HORROR... worse than LaTroy Hawkins, worse than Joe Borowski -- even worse than Jeff Fassero....

I suppose, he could pitch if the Cubs get blown out --- but aside from that -- he might be the worst relief pitcher on any playoff roster

Marquis is a no-brainer. He pitched pretty well in September, and you need an emergency starter/long relief in playoffs.

As much crap as Marquis gets, the Cubs are now 36-25 over two years in games that Marquis starts. That's pretty good for a #5 starter.

There should be no shock that Howry is on the roster....Lou said Howry made it. I dont think Lou says things he doesnt mean. I certainly would not want Hart over Howry. I think if anyone had consideration it should have been Weurtz to get a double play...but Howry has been on the roster all year--Weurtz wasn't....so.....lets just hope Howry can come through.

As for Marquis....you have to have a picther that can go long if a starter gets knocked around early so your bullpen doesnt get drained.....lets say Z gets knocked around and has to be pulled in the second or third...you have Marquis that can go several innings and save the bullpen instead of wasting them in a meaningless game. Nothing new being done here.

Yes...Ward was chosen because he is the vet and again has been on the roster all year long. It was a choice between Hoffy and Pie....obviously Lou felt the need for late inning defense and speed as opposed to Hoffy's bat....I can see late inning game defense of Johnson in LF, Pie in CF, and Kosuke in RF.....

Bob Howry used to be a good pitcher. But his "experience" this year will do the Cubs no good in the postseason.

Marquis earned his spot in the bullpen, pitching reasonably well for a 5th. He will be fine as a long man and also, he may be needed to pitch run, hit, etc. in a pinch.

I'm so excited I don't think I will sleep well tonight.

Congrats to the White Sox....

And I am hoping for # #$%^ #$ @#$%^ @(# @($)% S$%^#

Maybe this slows the palpable tension building toward tomorrow's "second season". If Pie makes a leaping catch of a gap flyball heading for the wall, would that be Pie in the Sky?

The White Sox just won a 1 zip game with Thome's 400+ HR to center late the difference. Danks was lights out in a well played game on both sides.

Hoffpauir can't seem to get a break. Lou must be thinking that his double switches will involve a lot of outfielders. Lou also likely wants guys who can go get a lot of balls hit off our bullpen. I'm on record as preferring Hoffpauir over Ward, but I'm now hoping Ward has a key hit or two stored up somewhere.

A few thoughts....

* No way should Howry be on the roster. I would have chosen Wuertz or gone with an extra bench player like Hoffpauir.

* Marquis better learn quick how to pitch well out of the bullpen.

I haven't figured out why Marquis is on the roster. He won't start unless disaster strikes so why not Hart instead? I got no beef with his season and would dare say he's earned a start in a 7 game series, but not in the NLDS. So is he more likely to be used in a pinch, as in runner or hitter? Pie is a good call, this series with the Dodgers is going to be about pitching and we need all the defense we can get. Sorry Micah, you're our DH, stay in the batting cage awhile longer.

That said.

Are players that are sent home allowed to stay if they want to? If they want to stay in the dugout in uniform to cheer their teammates. Or is that against MLB policy?

Lets be fair.

They chose Ward over Hoff.

Both really couldnt go. Annd Lou likes experience.

Thats also the reason why Bob is going.

I can't believe they chose Pie over Hoff...

...and even moreso, I can't believe they chose Howry over Hart.

***shaking head in bewilderment***