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Did the Cubs have Angel Guzman start just to allow the Brewers to win the wild card? Or was it simply a matter of giving the team’s best starters and relievers another day of rest to prepare for the playoffs?

It was probably the latter, but it’s fun to speculate. Especially if the 2 teams meet in the NLCS. It would be even more ironic if the Brewers were to beat the Cubs then, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

The Brewers scratched their way into the playoffs for the first time in 26 years thanks to, you guessed it, C. C. Sabathia. Sabathia turned in his usual line: 9 innings, 0 earned runs, and 7 strikeouts. Too bad he gets to pitch only once in the first round of the playoffs, unless Milwaukee manager opts for starting him on two days of rest. Nah, that would be crazy, and unnecessarily endanger his future with a team other than the Brewers.

Milwaukee tried to give their season away, but failed and won the wild card, thanks to the Mets repeating their historic collapse from last year. Milwaukee finished in 2nd place, 7.5 games back of the Cubs.

Chicago won their division for the 2nd straight year and hope for better luck in the playoffs than last year. We’ll see how the pressure of that 100-pound albatross feels in their first round against the Dodgers.

Boxscore

Both the Brewers and the Mets collapsed at the end of last season. It’s funny how both have done so again this year. The only real difference is that this year, one of the teams will make the playoffs.

C. C. Sabathia started for the Brewers on short rest, but rest is not something Sabathia needs. That’s something required for lesser pitchers. He scoffs at the notion of rest. And of not injuring himself and losing the biggest free-agent jackpot of ever.

But I digress. Sabathia handled the Pirates, allowing just 1 run over 7 innings. He struck out 11, as well.

The win brought the Brewers back into a wild card tie with the New York Mets, who fell to the Chicago Cubs. There are 4 games left for both teams, so this should stay interesting.

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With Ben Sheets starting, the Brewers had to feel good about finally getting a win to help stop the recent skid. Well, they won, but they lost Ben Sheets.

Sheets lasted only 2 innings before leaving with an elbow injury. Right now, it looks like there’s more Tommy in his future than playoff appearances.

Still, the Brewers offense finally showed up. It helped that Marquis de Suck was “pitching” for the Cubs. Nothing like a little gasoline to help a fire get going.

The win keeps the Brewers one half game back of the wild card. The Cubs keep their commanding first place lead.

Now that’s a way to light a fire under under-performing players as they head into the end of the season. Milwaukee has gotten rid of Ned Yost, often referred to ignorantly as the worst manager in the majors (see: Baker, Dusty).

I know the Brewers have dived into the crapper for the second straight September, but I’m surprised to see this move. We’ll see if the surprising move helps right the sinking ship. Honestly, I doubt it will hurt.

I’m hoping the Reds will take some hints.