It’s been a while since I’ve done a game preview thread. It is time to get back to business. Today, the Cubs will be taking on the struggling White Sox. Back in May, the Cub’s took 2 of 3 games to take round one of the season series. The Cubbies are looking to bounce back after losing the series to the Texas Rangers. The White Sox have won just 6 times in the last 25 games. The White Sox still have the advantage over the Cubs all-time. However, if the Cubs manage to sweep the Sox this weekend they will even the record. The Cubs current record against the Sox is 27-30. The Cubs record at Comisk… Us Cellular field is 11-16. Carlos Zambrano is taking the hill for the Cubs and he will be facing Mark Buehrle.
Carlos Zambrano (7-6, 4.53)
2007 has been a very interesting year for Carlos Zambrano. Between his stalled contract talks, his early season struggles and love taps with Michael Barrett, I don’t think Carlos will ever forget this year. Fortunately for Cubs, Zambrano has turned a corner of late. In his last two starts he has thrown 17 innings and allowed only one earned run. He even carried a no-hitter into the 8th in a losing effort. Zambrano has really struggled to get through the 1st inning this year. His 1st inning ERA is an ugly 8.40. If Zambrano can get through the 1st inning today the Cubs should have a good chance to win the game. Zambrano is 4-2 against the Sox in his career with a 4.94 era. In his one start this year, Carlos was hit hard. He went 6.2 innings while allowing 7 earned runs.
Mark Buehrle (4-3, 3.45)
Mark Buehrle has had a good year on a bad team. On a better team he could have at least doubled his win total. Like Zambrano, 2007 will be a memorable year thanks to his April 18th no-hitter. Sammy Sosa broke up the perfect game by drawing a walk. Buehrle has won his last two starts and went 8th innings in both games. Against the Cubs, in 9 starts, Buehrle is 3-3 with a 5.43 era. This includes a 1-1, 4.91 era at the Cell. Buerhle likes to work quick and throws a lot of strikes. Hopefully, the Cubs are ready to swing the bats today.
Today’s Lineups:
Cubs (Career Vs. Buehrle)
Alfonso Soriano LF (.154, 4-26, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Mike Fontenot 2B (No History)
Derrek Lee 1B (.667, 4-6, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Aramis Ramirez DH (.250, 2-8, 1 RBI)
Mark DeRosa 3B (.353, 6-17, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Rob Bowen C (No History)
Angel Pagan RF (.500, 3-6)
Felix Pie CF (No History)
Cesar Izturis SS (.200, 5-1)
White Sox (Career Vs Zambrano)
Darin Erstad CF (.333, 1-3, 1 RBI)
Tadahito Iguchi 2B (.125, 1-8)
Jim Thome DH (.400, 4-10, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Paul Konerko 1B (.316, 6-19, 3 HRs, 5 RBIs)
A.J. Pierzynski C (.333, 4-12, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Jermaine Dye RF (.250, 3-12, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Rob Mackowiak LF (.333, 11-33, 1 HR, 4 RBIs)
Josh Fields 3B (No History)
Juan Uribe SS (.167, 3-18, 1 HR, 5 RBIs)
