BRAVES REPORT: This is the Braves' 12th consecutive appearance in the postseason, but they have only one World Series ring to show for it. Most of the Braves teams that won in the past relied on pitching, but the backbone of this team has been offense. The big question in the postseason is the health of closer John Smoltz. He converted 45 of 49 saves, but he spent most of September on the disabled list with an inflamed right elbow. Former Cub Greg Maddux beat his old club twice this season, but he is scheduled to pitch only Game 3 of this series.
CUBS REPORT: This is a dangerous team in a short series because of its outstanding top three starters: Kerry Wood, Carlos Zambrano and Mark Prior. Matt Clement is scheduled to pitch Game 4 but that could change if the Cubs' backs are against the wall. Clement is the only Cubs starter to beat the Braves this season. Sammy Sosa crushed Atlanta pitching this season: .520, four homers, 11 RBIs. The Cubs come into the postseason having won 19 of 26, while the Braves were 14-12 in September.
IS IT THEIR TIME?: It has been 95 years since the Cubs won a World Series. That year, 1908, was the last time the Cubs won a postseason series. It has been 58 years since they won a pennant. But because of their pitching, this might be the Cubs' best shot in nearly 100 years to get to the promised land.
