* The Reds and Cubs each won nine games in the season series last year. Since 2004, the Reds own a 35-34 edge.
* The Reds were swept by Pittsburgh this past weekend to fall below .500 for the first time since losing their opening game of the season.
* The Cubs salvaged the finale of their three-game series with Philadelphia, and are 6-2 following a 1-3 start.
* Aaron Harang has not allowed more than two earned runs in any of his first three starts. He is 8-3 in his career versus the Cubs.
* Ryan Dempster’s .095 opponent batting average is the best in the majors, while his 0.69 ERA ranks second to Justin Germano (0.00) in the National League.
* Brandon Phillips has been a .359 hitter through six innings so far this season, as opposed to .154 from the seventh inning on.
* Mark DeRosa collected 26 hits in 51 at-bats versus the Reds last season. His .510 average raised his career mark against Cincinnati to .441.
Copyright 2008 STATS LLC
Comments
Say Dusty.. Uh, I mean, DUDE, thanks for all you did here in Chicago. Now with that said... I'm SOOOOO glad LOU's here and you're GONE.
Posted by: Lenny C | April 15, 2008 7:41 PM
Nice game tonight, and nice to see dusty back. One thought though, I like soriano, but wow without him tonight we a lot of offense. He does a lot of swinging for the fences, and we just need a guy to get on base and be a team player with some RBI's and just plain good baseball.
is there another combination on our team that might be better for a leadoff?
Posted by: Jason | April 15, 2008 10:13 PM
What a game last night! And what a way to kick off the Cubs-Reds season series.
Posted by: John | April 16, 2008 8:40 AM
It's completely understandable that current Cub players were excited to see Dusty on his return to Chicago. Dusty continually allowed Cub players to make fundamental mistakes time and time again, with no repercussions. Corey Patterson is a perfect example. When I hear a manager refered to as a "Players Manager" I think of someone who allows the inmates to run the assylum.
My favorite memory of Dusty is when he used to prop up his kid Darren in front of the media after horrible performances by his players in hope of avoiding tough questions.
Dusty was a good player, but has fallen flat on his face as a manager. I'm glad he's with Cincinnati now, because we get to benefit from his poor managerial skills 15-20 games a year.
One of Jim Hendry's many bad decisions(Neifi Perez, Steve Trachsel, Craig Monroe, Jacque Jones, etc....) was not firing Dusty Baker a year earlier.
Have fun watching Corey Patterson look like a fool at the plate 3 times a game.
Lou Piniella can manage circles around Dusty Baker with one thrown hat tied behind his back.
Lastly. Dusty- try not to screw up Johhny Cueto like you did Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. He's on my fantasy team.
Posted by: Brad | April 16, 2008 10:56 AM
I heartily agree with you - but it is the past - lets get it over with and bring on the Reds!!!!
Posted by: Carla C | April 16, 2008 11:38 AM