Chicago Cubs: Three keys to success against the Cincinnati Reds

Chicago Cubs: Team must come to live against Reds’ arms

If there is good news for the Chicago Cubs, it’s the pitching woes of the Cincinnati Reds are far worse than anything the Cubs have experienced.

This fares well for an offense that has had a difficult time producing runs as of late.  Jim Riggleman, the Reds manager, has gone to a shortened inning approach for his starters hoping to capture the best stuff quickly before moving onto another arm in his staff.

The problem is a deep one for the Reds which may even stretch into next season, according to John Fray of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

… Starting pitching is why the Reds are where they are this year, i.e., in last place and on their way to 90-some losses…

Cincinnati ranks 24th in baseball with a 4.75 ERA, and, for starters, that number is even worse, clocking in at a staggering 5.20. By contrast, the merry-go-round of Chicago starters boast a 3.93 ERA this season. Hardly world-beaters, but that keeps you in the ballgame.

The Cubs should take advantage of the Reds pitching early by putting up a bunch of runs at the start of the game. With Reds pitching in the toilet, jumping out to a big lead early could help get the offense rolling down the stretch.

 Chicago Cubs: Bullpen issues looming large for club

It’s no secret the Cubs bullpen has struggled recently. Their woes include Carl Edwards Jr., a brutally overworked Steve Cishek and the likes of guys like Brandon Kintzler, who hasn’t ever really looked comfortable since joining the club.

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Edwards, though, ranks as the prime example of what “not quite there” looks like on the mound. He is in good company joined by teammates Brandon Kintzler, Brandon Morrow, Dillon Maples, and James Norwood.

Perhaps the shortcomings of several relievers looms particularly large given how effective the group, as a whole, has been this season. The relief corps leads all of baseball with a 3.35 ERA and .225 batting average against. But, in the last week-plus, guys like Cishek have struggled. Factor in injuries to Brandon Morrow and, now, Pedro Strop, and there’s plenty of cause for concern.

Edwards missed the mark again Monday against the Brewers at Wrigley, giving up the go-ahead run in the sixth inning on a wild pitch (after which he seemingly forget to cover home).  Between a lack of offensive production and bullpen struggles, you can’t help but be at least a little concerned with six days to go till an off-day.

Chicago Cubs: Generating hits early key for the offense

The Cubs offense has got to show up for this series.

The last time these two teams met, Javier Baez accounted for four runs, seven hits, one double, two home runs and five RBI in the series. If the MVP candidate can produce the same numbers this weekend, look for the Cubs to get ahead early.

Fans are looking for those 10+ runs in the first three innings which the Cubs revealed more than a few times this season. With the Reds’ pitching issues, Chicago will try and capitalize early and get a comfortable lead.

If they can get out of the gate with a few run under their belt, the Reds’ weak staff should help them the rest of the way.  It’s not unreasonable to think the Cubs could (and should) sweep the Reds one last time this season. Obviously, that could work wonders in the team’s quest for October. With a tight division race mounting, the Cubs are looking for such an outcome  more than ever before.