The Cubbies have handled Ian Snell well in the only two times they've seen him this year. They beat him up in early August most recently attaining 8 hits and 5 ER's in just 6 innings of work.
Angel Guzman is coming off his best start as a Cub going 6 innings vs. Philly and only surrendering 1 earned run while striking out 8 and walking 3. He was a hot Cub prospect that's yet to live up top his billing. Maybe he's turned the corner, and will put forth a solid slate of starts to close out the year.
Chicago lost a heartbreaker late Sunday night in ST. Louis, and now have to come back tonight to face the Buccos at PNC. The sweep at the hands of the hated Cardinals won't sit well with the Cubs, and they're lucky they get the opportunity to get right back on the field just 24 hours later to rinse the bad taste out of their mouths. Pathetically, the Pirates are only four games away from the underachieving Cubs this year, and you can bet Dusty Baker will be pulling out all the stops in this 3-game set to avoid letting the Buccos overtake him.
A last place finish with the Cubs current payroll will all but make Dusties departure a certainty. Either way, look for a salty Cubs squad to hit PNC for this set as they look to put some distance between them and the last place Buccos.
SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
Cubs at Pirates
Reply With Quote