Cincinnati Reds: Previewing the upcoming series with Cubbies Crib

Blog Red Machine sat down with our counterpart in the Windy City, Cubbies Crib, to discuss the upcoming series between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs.

Q: Who is an under-the-radar player that Cincinnati Reds fans should keep an eye on during the series?

A: Not sure if he constitutes under-the-radar at this point, but David Bote is making a name for himself on the North Side. With Bryant sidelined, he’s stepped up and has shown to have that ‘clutch’ gene – at least in the interim.

He’s been mired in a bit of a slump lately, but hopefully, his home run on Wednesday in Detroit can get him headed back in the right direction. 

Q: What do you expect from the newly acquired Daniel Murphy?

A: I anticipate seeing a lot of ‘professional’ at-bats. This guy knows how to cause damage (as Cubs fans know all too well). He’s been raking since the Break, so with the offense scuffling in August, he should be a huge shot in the arm – especially since his addition means Addison Russell won’t be trotted out every day.

Q: Who is the one player you expect to help lead this Cubs team into the final month of the season?

A: Anthony Rizzo. This guy has ‘it’. After a horrendous start to the season, he cranked it up and, with, a strong September, has a shot at another 30-homer, 100-RBI campaign.

There’s no doubt he’s the leader of this team and if he gets the boys fired up, they should pick up a third consecutive NL Central crown. 

Q: The Cincinnati Reds will send three of their best starting pitchers to the mound during the series. Which pitcher do you expect to give the Cubs the most problems?

A:  Knowing this team, it’ll be Matt Harvey, A guy we should, in theory, handle well – but you know how that works. I like Anthony DeSclafani a lot – but, lord, I just hope we don’t get shut down by Homer Bailey. Fingers crossed on that one.

Q: What’s your prediction for the series?

A: Cubs take three-of-four. I think the offense will start to find a rhythm behind Daniel Murphy and, if the starting pitching continues to pull its weight, this is one of those series Chicago should win. Then again, with a sub-.500 mark against the Cincinnati Reds this year, maybe I’ll wind up eating crow come Monday.