Series Preview: Cubs v. Reds, May 1 – May 3, 2012

The Cubs head down to Cincinnati to take on the Reds for three games. If the Cubs manage to win the series, it will have been like, almost two weeks since they last lost a series. That would be pretty sweet.

By way of reminder, the Series Preview hooks you up with what you need to know about every series this year – streaks, broadcast information, pitchers, expected lineups, etc. That way, if you want to check only one place to get a sense about an upcoming series, or to plan ahead, you’ve got it. Oh, and there are pictures of beautiful women, too.

We’re Going Streaking

The Cubs split a four game set with the Phillies, after winning a three gamer with the Cardinals. That makes ‘em 4-3 in their last seven, and that’s something, at least.

The Reds are 11-11, three games back in the NL Central. They’ve won three straight series (Cubs, Giants, Astros).

Game Times and Broadcasts

• Tuesday, May 1 at 6:10 CT on CSN+.
• Wednesday, May 2 at 6:10 CT on WGN.
• Thursday, May 3 at 11:35 CT on CSN.

Expected Starters and Lineups

These lineups are likely to be pretty close to what actually gets fielded, but you’ll want to check each day’s Pre-Gamin’ post for the actual lineup.

Cubs

Starters: Jeff Samardzija (2-1, 4.13), Paul Maholm (2-2, 6.20), Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.33)

Lineup:

1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Tony Campana, CF
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Geovany Soto, C
9. Pitcher

Reds

Starters: Bronson Arroyo (1-0, 2.70), Homer Bailey (1-2, 3.60), Mike Leake (0-3, 6.65)

Lineup:

1. Zack Cozart, SS
2. Drew Stubbs, CF
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Brandon Phillips, 2B
5. Jay Bruce, RF
6. Scott Rolen, 3B
7. Ryan Ludwick, LF
8. Ryan Hanigan/Devin Mesoraco, C
9. Pitcher

Hot or Not and Whom to Watch

Bryan LaHair would have known how to answer Gozer’s question in ‘Ghostbusters’ (“Are you a god?”). He’s leading all first basemen in a number of categories, and currently sports a 1.251 OPS. He’s also riding a six-game hitting streak.

Jeff Samardzija is coming off a great start, and is having a tremendous year, according to his peripherals and advanced stats. Hopefully he keeps it up. Paul Maholm is coming off back-to-back good starts.

David DeJesus has gone cold in his last seven starts – he’s hitting just .222/.250/.296 over that stretch. Tony Campana, on the flip side, has been scorching hot – since being called up a week and a half ago, he’s gone .370/.414/.370 with seven steals and seven runs scored.

Jay Bruce has homered in four straight games, and is one short of tying the Reds’ record (held by a number of guys, including Griffey (Jr.), Dunn, and Bench). Don’t do it, Jeff. Don’t do it.

Joey Votto started slowly, but he’s already back up to a .939 OPS on the year. In the other direction, Drew Stubbs and Scott Rolen have really struggled this year, going .241/.283/.310 and .186/.250/.329, respectively.

Bronson Arroyo has long, lustrous hair. Savor it.

Series She-View

The Series She-View is one beautiful woman representing the Cubs taking on another (usually) beautiful woman representing the opponent. The Cubs’ representative will change as the team’s needs change – in other words, if the Cubs are winning, the rep will stay the same. But if the Cubs’ performance calls for a change, someone new will step in. The opponent’s representative will change from series to series, at my whim. But at least she’ll probably be wearing the opponent’s colors or have some connection to the team or something like that. It is immature, and the connection to baseball is tenuous at best. These things, I know.

With a road split against a 2011 playoff team, I think it’s safe to keep Marisa Miller in charge of the Cubs. I’ve yet to hear any complaints, anyway. So, yeah, she good.

The Reds pretty much always get a redhead as their rep, because, well, I’m not that clever. How about Wendy, from Wendy’s? Not good enough? How about a cat playing Wendy from Wendy’s?

Versus