Game 34 Thread / Cubs @ Reds (3 of 3)

Can the Cubs be beneficiaries of an opponent's ex-Cub factor? If so, Cubs should win today.

Yet another tough righty that Pie has to face. I'm glad Cedeno's starting at least. Here's hoping the Cubs are patient against Volquez and let him make some mistakes. I'm not too optimistic though.

At least Pie is starting in back-to-back games. He needs to play, and I think he should be given awhile in the starting lineup. If he isn't playing here, he should be sent to AAA. It is too early to give up on him.

Any reason for Soriano being out of the lineup? Just a normal day off I'm assuming?

I can't understand why they continue to hit Fuku 5th. He's a leadoff or 2 hole hitter. Soto is a perfect 5 hole hitter. Keep him there.

It's time to get Marshall stretched out....

Hopefully Hill finds it soon.

Lieber too homery.

Who in the hell is Edinson Volquez?? Does he have any business sporting these stats?

Four homeruns in one inning? Are you kidding?

Losing two out of three in every series has become a favorite of this team's. This offense is just terrible right now. Win two freaking games in a row!

not to mention Shall.

We've got so much "depth" at starter,
We're sunk.

Well, offenses go in slumps, and I wouldn't say Pie, Cedeno and Fontenot could really be called slumping since they never proved they could hit to begin with. What we have to have is good enough pitching to carry the team during those slumps and we do not have that outside of Zambrano and Marmol.

This is sickening.

Is the wind blowing out or is our pitching just blowing that badly today?

Lou doesn't do May.

No Errors so far! All runs are earned!

Other than hitting, pitching, fielding and baserunning, the team is hitting on all cylinders right now.

Seven homeruns and counting. At least the Cubs aren't being no-hit.

Last time the Cubs lost a game by more han 3 runs:

April 17: 9-2. To the Reds.

Can we trade the naming rights to Wrigely Field for Votto?

This is brutal.

Six walks and the Cub offense can't even score one lousy run?

Ah, the ledge jumping begins anew...

Maybe Baker will blow Volquez's arm by the next series. Six walks and we can't even get a damn run

Bako has hit 4 in his first 87 AB's this year. This is a guy who only had 15 HR in his first 10 years in the majors.

I can only assume that the crack Reds broadcast team has already hinted that he's pumping steroids.... the way they did for Soto.

But like they said, sometimes a hitter doesn't develop his power until he's around 28....

oops, Bako is 35.

Cubs drop 2 of 3 to the Nats and the Reds in the span of 12 games.

Very, very hard to do.

Too bad Lieber wasn't available for long relief...

Hendry is responsible.

Effectively, the Rule 5 courtesy of Josh Hamilton begat Volquez.

Thanks Jim!

Pirates. We need more games against the Pirates.

Yeesh -- 7 walks and no runs. At least htey are still showing patience, which is a good sign.

It really has to make you question wether this team is the best in the division. I understand going through loosing streaks. But we're getting beat by bad teams.