Reds vs. Cubs: Pitching preview, prediction, and more

The Reds return home feeling better about themselves.

It’s challenging to make the argument that a 2-4 road trip was a success, but the Cincinnati Reds (11-13) have seemingly regained their footing after taking two of three from the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in Tinsel Town. The series victory over the Dodgers was needed in the worst way.

Monday night’s extra-inning win in the City of Angels snapped an infuriating seven-game slide in which the Reds dropped games in nearly every conceivable fashion. This weekend presents an excellent opportunity for the Redlegs to post consecutive series triumphs.

The reason for all this optimism is the Chicago Cubs (11-14) are visiting the Queen City. Through the first month of the 2021 season, the Cubs have to be one of baseball’s biggest disappointments.

Languishing in the basement of the National League Central, the defending division champs have lost five of their last six. To be honest,  this isn’t the same team that captured the division crown during the 2020 season.

Several familiar faces have left the Windy City following a winter of discontent in Chicago. Slugger and Middletown, Ohio native (sorry, couldn’t resist) Kyle Schwarber was non-tendered by the Cubs in the offseason and replaced with former Dodgers’ outfielder Joc Peterson. It’s still a head-scratching decision considering Schwarber and Peterson are essentially the same player.

Also sent packing was veteran left-handed starter Jon Lester and backup catcher Victor Caritini. However, the trade of ace Yu Darvish to the San Diego Padres was by far the most surprising move of the Cubs’ offseason.

Darvish, who was bested in the Cy Young voting by former Reds’ pitcher Trevor Bauer, was a beast in his final season as a Cub. For whatever reason, Chicago general manager Jed Hoyer is running the team as if they are suddenly cash strapped, much to the delight of their division rivals.

Recent history between the two clubs has been kind to the North Siders. Since 2015 Cincinnati has captured the season series just once. Over the last decade, the teams have played to a near-draw.

Cincinnati is 88-89 versus the Cubs since 2011 while holding a 46-42 edge at Great American Ball Park. Let’s hope the Reds can tip the scale to their favor by the time the Cubbies leave town late Sunday afternoon.