Pittsburgh Pirates v. Chicago Cubs – The Intangibles

Oct 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman

(5) reacts at third base after hitting a triple against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago Cubs are set to square off today in the NL Wild Card game, and we’ve been breaking down and comparing every area of each team in preparation for this contest. Yesterday we compared the projected starting outfields, the projected starting infields, and the bullpens. Today, we’re starting off by taking a look at the underrated areas: the intangibles. This includes the projected benches for both teams, the managers, and the other intangible factors that both teams bring to the table.

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The benches could be huge in this game, as runs will most likely be hard to come by, so both teams may elect to use pinch runners frequently. If the Pirates have a lead early, look for Clint Hurdle to go to the pen early no matter how well Gerrit Cole may be pitching. The Pirates have the best bullpen in the majors by ERA, so that’s a strength that should be used. This only adds to the possibility of multiple pinch hitters being used. If the Pirates are down early, Hurdle may also be tempted to lift Cole for a pinch hitter to try to produce runs in any way possible. Thus, the bench could prove to be the deciding factor in this game.

Hurdle may also have a number of decisions to make if the Pirates are down early, so his game-day managing will be key to this game. Joe Maddon is generally thought to be one of the best managers in the game, but Hurdle is good in his own right. Let’s hope Hurdle doesn’t overthink any moves he may make.

And if runs are hard to come by, look to both managers to emphasize the stolen base early and often. Speed becomes an intangible factor on the base-paths that can turn the tide of the game. Both teams also have outfielders with a number of outfield assists, so don’t be surprised if a runner is thrown out on the base-paths as well.

Let’s first take a look at the projected benches for each team and how they can influence this game.

Next: The Benches

Sep 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates left fielder

(23) hits a two run single against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Benches

Jung Ho Kang‘s emergence this year made the Pirate bench one of the deepest in the majors. But with Kang’s injury, that depth became less apparent. The Pirates will still have good players coming off the bench in this game, including at least one starter. Whether that starter is Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison, Aramis Ramirez, or Pedro Alvarez is yet to be determined. But each of these players could change the game with one swing of the bat, and that’s huge off the bench.

The Cubs have a bevy of youth on their bench, which also will include guys that can change the game with one swing. If Jake Arrieta is dominating, the Cubs’ bench may not be dipped into too much, however. But the same can be said about Cole and the Pirates’ bench too. A bench can affect the game in a number of different ways. A power bat can tie the game or give his team the lead with one swing, or a pinch runner can steal a base and put himself in scoring position. And a defensive replacement can protect a late lead when the bullpen’s in the game.

The Pirates will most likely carry 16 position players and nine pitchers, or 15 and 10 depending on which route Hurdle wants to go. If Harrison’s on the bench, he has a knack for timely, clutch hits, so that could be huge for the Pirates late. Ramirez or Pedro have the potential to hit one out on any at-bat, as does Polanco. Outside of those four, the next best offensive players for Pittsburgh are Michael Morse and Travis Snider. Neither are great defensively, but both have power potential. The Pirates will also most likely carry Sean Rodriguez for defensive purposes late in the game, and his defense is much better than any of the other bench options. Pedro Florimon and Keon Broxton will likely round out the bench, and both players bring speed and pinch-running potential, though neither can hit major league pitching well. And let’s not forget the two backup catchers Hurdle will carry in Chris Stewart and Elias Diaz. Stewart has been known to get big hits, and he’s good at getting timely singles from time to time.

The Cubs’ bench depth lies in the outfield. Austin Jackson has playoff experience during his time with Detroit, and he can add both speed and power off the bench. Chris Denorfia is a veteran that typically hits for average. And Jorge Soler can hit one out at any time, but he also strikes out a lot. Javier Baez is probably the biggest offensive threat off the Cubs’ bench, who hasn’t lived up to potential yet but is expected to eventually add power to his repertoire. Tommy La Stella isn’t great offensively but he’s a good option as a defensive replacement late. David Ross will play backup to Miguel Montero and probably won’t get an at-bat unless the game goes long. And someone like Quintin Berry could get that last spot as a pinch-running option.

Both benches have a variety of options in the form of power, speed, and defense. The Cubs have a mix of youth and experience, while the skill-set of the bench for the Pirates is more varied. In the end, I give a slight edge to the Pirates based on experience and the multitude of reliable options in any area that they want to attack off the bench.

Verdict: Pirates

Next: The Managers

Oct 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle (13) looks on from the dugout before the Pirates host the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Managers

Clint Hurdle has never truly been considered one of the great managers in the game. He’s gotten more respect now as a player’s coach and because he’s managed three consecutive seasons of winning, playoff baseball for the Pirates. But he’s never been considered one of the better game-day managers.

So far, Hurdle made the right choice for the starting pitcher, and it sounds like he’s going to go with a good lineup for Wednesday night. There’s no wrong option for how Hurdle decides to choose his lineup, and I have faith that he’ll put out good one. From there, Hurdle will be judged based on when he decides to pull Cole or pinch-hit for him, who he chooses to pinch-hit, and how he chooses the pitchers to use from his bullpen. Honestly, with how great the bullpen’s been all season long, I don’t think Hurdle will have a problem in choosing those pitchers, nor do I think he’ll pick someone he shouldn’t. He’ll go Joakim Soria, Tony Watson, and Mark Melancon in relief with a late lead, or he’ll turn to Joe Blanton or Francisco Liriano as late long relievers if the game isn’t close or if the Pirates are playing from behind.

I’m confident that Hurdle will make mostly good decisions in this game. This is a do-or-die matchup, and Hurdle knows that. He’s learned from managing the Pirates in the playoffs each of the last two seasons, and that experience will help him immensely in this game.

Joe Maddon has the reputation as one of the best managers in the game. For a look time with Tampa Bay, Maddon didn’t usually have many great pieces to play with. He had great teams, but he always had his work cut out for him. Now he’s managing a team with a huge payroll and a wealth of talent, and he’s done a fantastic job in bringing the Cubs to the postseason this quickly in his debut season.

There are two things that I immediately think of when I think of Maddon managing this game. First, expect the pitcher to bat 8th, which he’s done for much of this season. Second, look for Maddon to react quickly if things get out of hand. When he was managing late in the season trying to catch Pittsburgh for home field, he wasn’t afraid to lift pitchers early. He most likely won’t have to worry about lifting Arrieta early this game, but expect him to make defensive changes late, steal bases, and generally be aggressive as the game progresses.

Hurdle is and always will be a player’s coach. Maddon has the strategical edge, and I think that factors more into a one-game playoff than a series or over the course of the regular season.

Verdict: Cubs

Next: The Intangibles

Oct 4, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Gregory Polanco (25) reacts at second base after hitting a double against the Cincinnati Reds during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Conclusion

Since this will most likely be a low-scoring game, the outcome could be influenced by factors outside of the starting lineups and the starting pitchers. Both teams have deep benches; the Pirates have a variety of options in the speed, power, and defense departments, while the Cubs have a mix of youth and experience. Both managers are considered two of the best in the game, with Hurdle being more of a player’s coach and Maddon being known more for his game-day strategy. And let’s not forget the arms of the Pirate outfielders, the impact of home field advantage, and the youth of the Cubs and how those players will react to the playoff atmosphere. In a one-game playoff, every move and every moment is amplified, and I could see one seemingly small play here or there determining the outcome of this game.

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