Dein erstes Forum » very well.UP NEXTBulls: They host the Knicks on Fri

The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series looked sexy a week ago, but given the events of the past few days, especially with what happened Thursday night in Game 5 at Nationals Park, several more layers of intrigue have been added. The Cubs played two unforgettable games -- a loss in Game 3, a win in Game 4 -- to beat the Giants in the division series. And the Dodgers somehow beat the Nationals 4-3 in Game 5 on Thursday night in a four-hour, 32-minute epic that will be discussed for years to come. Now the two play in the NLCS. We can only hope that there will be a game or two that come even close to matching the final two games in San Francisco, and the last one in Washington. Here are five questions:How difficult is it to match up with the Dodgers?This season has been a long series of matchups, pitching changes and daily decisions for manager Dave Roberts. The Dodgers play the same first baseman (Adrian Gonzalez), shortstop (Corey Seager) and third baseman (Justin Turner) every day, but otherwise, Roberts mixes and matches at virtually every other position (Chase Utley started 118 games at second base, and catcher Yasmani Grandal started 106 games), looking for the best situation that day. That versatility and maneuverability makes the Dodgers difficult to counter because they are prepared for almost any possibility other than, of course, their weakness against left-handed pitching (.214/.291/.333). The Dodgers used 15 different starting pitchers this year, and they made more pitching changes than any team in major league history. Roberts took out a pitcher (Ross Stripling after 7? innings) with a no-hitter going, and he took a pitcher (Rich Hill, after seven innings) out with a perfect game going. Then, in the riveting Game 5 victory over the Nationals in the NLDS, Roberts yanked Hill after 55 pitches (eight outs, six of them strikeouts; he was behind, 1-0) to bring in Joe Blanton to face right-handed hitting Anthony Rendon. Roberts used every position player but one before the eighth inning. He brought in his closer, Kenley Jansen, with no one out in the seventh inning: he got seven outs for the first time in his career, then was replaced by Clayton Kershaw, who had thrown 110 pitches on short rest two days earlier. Kershaw got his first save since the Gulf Coast League, so long ago that Kershaws catcher in that game was Kenley Jansen. Roberts is not afraid to make a move, and hell have to make many moves against the Cubs.What can we expect from the Cubs offense?A lot. This is a really good and versatile offensive team, one that scored the second-most runs in the NL this year, 119 more runs and 179 fewer strikeouts than in 2015. In the NLDS against the Giants, the Cubs scored only 11 runs in the first three games, and six of those runs were driven in by pitchers. But just when it appeared the Cubs were going back to Chicago for Game 5, they scored four in the ninth to beat the Giants. The Cubs became the first team since the Yankees in the 2001 World Series to produce tying hits in the ninth inning or later in consecutive postseason games. Now they have to get first baseman Anthony Rizzo going offensively. He singled and drew two walks (one a crucial one in the ninth inning of Game 4), but he is 1-for-15 in this postseason, and 7-for-47 in his postseason career.What is the status of the Dodgers rotation?Not where it wants to be due to the measures that had to be taken just to get to this series. Kershaw could start Game 2, but it wont be easy given that he threw 110 pitches on short rest Tuesday, then pitched in relief two days later. Its likely that Kenta Maeda, a 16-game winner who labored in his start against the Nationals in Game 3, would start Game 1. After that, it gets tricky. If its not Kershaw in Game 2, Hill could go, but he threw 56 pitches on short rest in Game 5, meaning he would have to go on short rest again. Julio Urias, 20, could start, but he pitched in relief in Game 5, also. If Urias starts, hell be the youngest pitcher ever to start a postseason game.What is the status of the Cubs rotation?Jon Lester was brilliant in Game 1 against the Giants, becoming the third Cubs pitcher to throw eight scoreless innings without a walk in a postseason game (joining Jake Arrieta and Mordecai Three Finger Brown). It was the first time in Lesters decorated postseason career that he completed eight innings. Kyle Hendricks was hit in the forearm with a line drive in Game 2, forcing him to leave the game in the fourth inning, but from all indications, he has recovered, and should be 100 percent for the Dodgers. Before getting hit, however, Hendricks wasnt sharp (he has now given up seven earned runs in 12? innings in his three postseason starts), but if that changeup is right, he will be hard to handle. Arrieta, who labored the second half of the season, gave the Cubs six good innings in Game 3, but the bullpen lost his lead. John Lackey is the fourth starter, and he is a tested and accomplished postseason pitcher, even though he lasted only four innings in Game 4.Who has been the breakthrough player of this postseason?Javy Baez of the Cubs. He is an elite defender in the infield, especially at second base. His ability to catch a short-hop throw from the catcher, and apply the tag on a potential base stealer, is rivaled only by Orioles shortstop J.J. Hardy. Baez has a great throwing arm and remarkable range, he hits with power, he gets big hits and -- unlike so many players of this generation, a generation that runs the bases poorly at best -- he is a great baserunner, with a natural feel for the game and for situations. He personifies who the Cubs are: young, athletic and versatile; plug him in at any position in any situation, he can beat you in so many ways.Cubs in seven.Nick Markakis Jersey . General manager Jarmo Kekalainen told Aaron Portzline of The Columbus Dispatch on Friday that he wants to see Gaboriks contributions go beyond the scoresheet before considering a long-term deal for the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent. Darren ODay Braves Jersey . -- Jaye Marie Green shot a 4-under 68 on Thursday to increase her lead to five strokes after the second round of the LPGA Tours qualifying tournament. http://www.baseballbravesproshop.com/josh-tomlin-braves-jersey/ . - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is not a fan of his teams use of the wildcat formation, saying "it makes you look like a high school offence. Hank Aaron Braves Jersey . Darren Helm scored on Detroits sixth attempt in the shootout and then Jonas Gustavsson stopped Andrew Shaws shot, lifting the Detroit Red Wings to a 5-4 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday night. Matt Joyce Braves Jersey . Most important, perhaps, it went off without a hitch. Organizers poked a little fun at the now-infamous opening ceremony gaffe that saw only four out of five snowflakes open up into rings, leaving the Olympics logo one ring short.BOSTON -- The Boston Celtics played without new addition Al Horford for the first time this season on Wednesday night.Thanks to Isaiah Thomas and Amir Johnson, they didnt miss a beat.Thomas had 23 points and 10 assists, Johnson finished 23 points -- including a career-high four 3-pointers -- and the Boston Celtics handed the Chicago Bulls their first loss of the season, 107-100.Boston avenged its lone setback of the season despite being without Horford, who was placed in the concussion protocol Tuesday after exhibiting concussive symptoms during practice.Johnson was active from all over the court, scoring 16 points in the third quarter. The Bulls managed just 18 points in the period, their lowest scoring quarter of the season.I just made the first one and my confidence got a little higher, Johnson said of his 3-point performance. When I knocked down the fourth one, I dont even think I even saw the basket.The Bulls cut into what had been a 16-point Boston lead in the fourth quarter and tied it at 100 on two free throws by Nikola Mirotic. But Boston regained the lead 101-100, then went up five on a driving layup by Thomas and a basket by Marcus Smart.Jimmy Butler led Chicago with 23 points and nine rebounds.Before Wednesday Johnson had never made more than two 3-pointers in a game and had never attempted more than four. He entered the night 0 for 1 on the season.Boston led by as many as 14 points in the first half, but took only a two-point lead into halftime.After a slow start, Jae Crowder scored eight straight points during a 21-4 Boston run. The Bulls stayed in it via a few mini spurts, including an 8-0 run by Butler.But Crowder will join Horford on the injured list after he left in the second quarter with a left ankle sprain. Coach Brad Stevens said he doesnt expect Crowder back any time soon.Its a great opportunity for everybody else, Stevens said. Were early in the season,, so everybody gets a chance to step up and make plays and compete.dddddddddddd And well see. Well try to figure it out.TIP-INSBulls: G Michael Carter-Williams (left knee bruise, left wrist sprain) and Doug McDermott both sat out. Coach Fred Hoiberg said McDermott felt good, but that he hadnt gone 24 hours without experiencing symptoms yet.Celtics: Tyler Zeller started in place of Horford. ... Stevens said Horford would also sit out Bostons game Thursday against the Cavaliers. A teammate inadvertently swiped Horford in the face with the ball during practice on Monday, but Horford didnt show any initial symptoms. But he experienced some nausea in practice on Tuesday and was pulled.QUOTABLEWe fought our way back in the second quarter to get back in it. (Johnson) had a hell of a third quarter. I like the fight in this team. We gave ourselves a chance to win. -- Dwyane Wade on the Bulls second-half effort.NUMBERS GAMEThe Bulls outrebounded the Celtics 49-39 but they had 19 turnovers that led to 18 Boston points.BIG QUARTERThe Celtics 36 points in the first quarter were the most in a period for Boston this season. Its previous high was 33.WELCOME BACK MR. ROSEHoiberg said he thinks former Bulls guard Derrick Rose to get a good reception when he returns to the United Center later this week. I think he should be received well, Hoiberg said. Derrick did a lot of good things for the city and for the franchise. I think hell be received very well.UP NEXTBulls: They host the K very well.UP NEXTBulls: They host the Knicks on Friball Jerseys[/url] ' ' '