Cincinnati Reds @ Chicago Cubs – Series Preview

The NL Central leading Chicago Cubs (7-4) resume action tonight as they face former manager Dusty Baker and his Cincinnati Reds (7-5). The Cubbies last played on Saturday when Aramis Ramirez belted a 2 run walk off home run against the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs were rained out on Sunday night and have had two full days off.

The two days off could be beneficial because its given Cubs manager, Sweet Lou Piniella, the ability to  alter his rotation and keep ace starter Carlos Zambrano on schedule. Another benefit has been to give some regulars an extra day off to rest up, specifically third baseman Aramis Ramirez (back tightness) and first baseman Derrek Lee (no injury, but he was scheduled to not start on Sunday night).

The Reds come into town having taken three of four in Houston. The RedLegs currently are the worst hitting team in the National League with a  team batting average of .218, a .337 team slugging %, and .323 OBP. Baker’s boys also have a grand total of 26 extra base hits on the season, good for last on the senior circuit.

Despite poor team numbers, first baseman Joey Votto has been strong early. The young Canadian is batting .354 with 2 Yak ‘Ems, 12 RBIs, and a .966 OPS. Jay Bruce may or may not play in this series as he is still trying to recover from a hand injury. When asked about a potential Tuesday return for Bruce, manager Dusty Baker said, “We’ll see. They’ve got some bad boys. Aches and pains and Harden, Lilly, and Zambrano. I hope so, but if not, we’ll go with our other dudes.”

RedLegs lineup (always subject to change with Dusty)

1. Willy Taveras CF
2. Jerry Hairston, Jr RF
3. Joey Votto 1B
4. Brandon Phillips 2B
5. Edwin Encarnacion 3B
6. Chris Dickerson LF
7. Ramon Hernandez C
8. Alex Gonzalez SS
 

However, the Reds do have a winning record and its largely due to their pitching. Aaron Harang has pitched very well so far this season with only a 1- 2 record, but an ERA of 2.70 and a complete game. Mr. JTM, Bronson Arroyo, has a 3-0 record and young ace Edinson Volquez is 2-1, despite a 6.46 ERA and 13 walks in 15.1 innings.

The RedLegs bullpen has also been solid as short relievers Arthur Rhodes and David “Stormy” Weathers have yet to allow runs so far this year. Closer Francisco Cordero has also been good with a 1.50 ERA to go along with 5-5 in save opportunities. This series will be a good early test for both teams and now, let’s look at the pitching matchups:

Game 1 – 8:05 pm EST, WGN/FSN Ohio

Rich Harden (0-1 5.00 ERA) vs. Micah Owings (0-1 7.20 ERA)

Rich Harden will look to get back on track after a dreadful last start against the Rockies. Harden lasted only 4 innings on 92 pitches while taking the loss. He did strike out 8, but gave up 4 runs and walked four as well. He’s 2-0 with a 2.92 ERA in his career against the RedLegs.

Micah Owings has started only once this year and it was a 9-3 loss to the Brewers. Owings made it to the sixth inning, but gave up four earned runs and 42 of his 89 pitches were balls. He will need to shore up his command against a patient Cubs lineup.

Advantage – Cubs moderate

Game 2 – 8:05 pm EST, CSN/ FSN Ohio

Ted Lilly (2-0 3.86 ERA) vs. Johnny Cueto (0-1 4.22 ERA)

Theodore Roosevelt Lilly last pitched on April 13 against Colorado and was very good. Lilly went 6 2/3 innings, gave up no runs and struck out eight in taking the win. Lilly still does not have a feel for his curveball yet, but once he does he’ll be extra tough to beat.

Johnny Cueto has all the physical gifts a pitcher could want, but he has yet to put it all together. His last start was April 17 against the Pirates and he did not look good. Cueto lasted 4 2/3 innings gave up only one earned run, but walked six while throwing 88 pitches.

Advantage – Cubs moderate

Game 3 – 2:20 pm EST, CSN

Carlos Zambrano (1-0 5.21 ERA) vs. Aaron Harang (1-2 2.70 ERA)

Big Z’s last start against the Cardinals was not good. He went 7 innings, but gave up 7 earned runs and gave up 3 Yak ‘Ems. He displayed good velocity, but poor location. For the Cubs to reach their goals, Big Z has to pitch like the staff ace.

Aaron Harang had a disastrous 2008, but seems to have reverted to form so far this year. Harang is only 1-2, but has a 2.70 ERA and his record is merely a result of poor run support. Harang is typically tough on the Cubs, though they did rough him up pretty good last year.

Advantage – Wash