The Cubs took down the mighty Reds once already this series, which is about the total I would have expected for all four games. They’ve got three chances to go for the split (and then some).
Justin Germano will look to continue his streak of five-ish innings of decent pitching, and, hey, Josh Vitters gets a start against a righty.
Game Info
Cincinnati Reds (66-46) at Chicago Cubs (44-66), 1:20pm CT on WGN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview for this series lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Homer Bailey (9-7, 3.98 ERA, 2.63 K/BB)
versus
Justin Germano (1-1, 3.38 ERA, 3.50 K/BB)
Cincinnati Reds Lineup
1. Zack Cosart, SS
2. Drew Stubbs, CF
3. Brandon Phillips, 2B
4. Ryan Ludwick, LF
5. Xavier Paul, RF
6. Todd Frazier, 1B
7. Wilson Valdez, 3B
8. Devin Mesoraco, C
9. Homer Bailey, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Josh Vitters, 3B
7. Brett Jackson, CF
8. Welington Castillo, C
9. Justin Germano, P
Vitters and Jacko – whoot.
Vosh Jitters!!
Now that we have a lefty for the middle of the order, why don’t we stack 3 righties in a row. I don’t understand why Castro/Rizzo can’t go 3/4 respectively.
DeJesus/Barney/Castro/Rizzo/Soriano/Vitters/Jackson/Castillo
Barring a trade, and including some occasional subs (emphasis on OCCASIONAL- here me Dale?), that should be the lineup for the rest of the season.
I completely agree. This is who I want to see playing the rest of the year. The only exception is Clevenger. I would still like to see him get some decent playing time along with Castillo.
I don’t care about the batting order as much, Sveum can play around with that.
The lineup doesn’t matter as much to me, but I wonder why he’s so matchup conscience (see: Vitters/Valbuena, etc.), but then he has those 3 righties in a row.
Who am I kidding- he probably puts the opposing starting pitcher into a computer program that gives him the “best” lineup for that day.
@Kyle: I agree with the Cleve part. I want to see him play more. I really believe that he will get better with experience. As with Vitters.
I’m already sick of watching Vitters and Jackson. They don’t take good AB’s. When Rizzo gets out, he at least gives the ball a ride. I mean I guess experience will only help them, so why not. But I honest;y don’t see either of them in the Cubs long term future. I’ll take Baez, Sczur, Soler, and Almora.
Hawr.
The bloom is (ever so slightly) off the rose, and the fan base reaches for the pruning shears.
I said the same thing before they were called up. The same thing happened at AAA. Not very good AB’s.
I like the lineup. I think Germano will pitch more than 5 innings though. Just to prevent the bullpen from screwing up the lead.
What a stop by Vitters! I hope you feel salty Dale! So far he’s already made 2 highlight reel plays
Anyone know any free agents the cubs might interested in for a (Paul Maholm) buy low, sell high candidate at the trade deadline, we would possibly pick up in the offseason?
Liriano for sure. Anibal Sanchez is really struggling with the Tigers.
Eh. I still think Sanchez is going to get a very healthy contract.
How about BJ Upton?
great defense this inning so far, two errors! geez
Make that 3. Does the Barney streak end today?
I hope darwin barney wins a Gold Glove, but people always tend to vote for the guy who hit also A.K.A Brandon Phillips. Its a shame people do that
Barney has been nothing short of spectacular at second but, as you say, once a guy like Brandon Phillips gets a reputation, it’s very hard to take it from him. (Remember how long it took Chico Lind to get one with Sandberg playing.)
make that three
for the love of christ stop a god damn ground ball for christ sakes you bums
lets see if castro kills this rally for the second time today. nice job soriano!!
fonzie! damn! not exactly getting our moneys worth, but i like it…. cant believe someone hasnt grabbed him.
Once the cubs hand over soler and mcnuts to complete the theo compensation the sox may have interest in taking rizzo back if the cubs pay his salary.
*yawn*
agreed
Yeah, this shtick was old the first time he posted.
Forgive him, guys. He has a physical shortcoming that he tries to overcome by trolling.
troll
That may have been the worst play I have seen in around 30 years of watching baseball. Horrendous.
You must not have been watching the Brant Brown play.
Phillips want to use silly decoys, plunk him- im tired of embarassing plays.
Castro, Vitters, Rizzo, and Jackson with errors today… The future awaits!
“The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness.”
Brett, when will the winner for the ticket be announced?