6/2-6/4: Cubs @ Braves Series Preview

Written by: David Lee on 2nd June 2009

6/2-6/4: Cubs @ Braves Series Preview | read this item

A much needed homestand begins Tuesday for the Braves, starting with a three-game series with the Cubs.

The Braves took to the road with momentum following a sweep of the Blue Jays. However, they made a quick fall by becoming a victim of a sweep by the Giants in the first road series. They followed by salvaging a split series with the D-Backs. The Braves continue to sit at .500, 4.5 games out of first.

With huge expectations, the Cubs have been a bit of a disappointment so far. They have hovered around .500, currently 25-24, and are coming off a split series with the Dodgers. They are in fourth at four games out of first.

(2009 stats followed by career stats vs. opposing team)
6/2 – 7:00
Randy Wells (0-2, 1.80)
vs.
Kenshin Kawakami (3-6, 4.73)

Randy Wells is in the midst of his first full season as a starter and only his second season in the majors. Wells has dominated in his four starts, including two shutouts in his first two starts. He is coming off a two-run performance against the Dodgers in his last start. Kenshin Kawakami answered his eight shutout innings against the Mets with three runs in 5.2 innings against the Giants. Neither pitcher has experience against the opposing team.

6/3 – 7:00
Ted Lilly (6-4, 3.50…3-2, 5.75 in 7 starts)
vs.
Derek Lowe (6-3, 3.49…2-1, 3.25 in 8 starts)

Lefty Ted Lilly has had an up and down season so far yet has maintained solid numbers, matching Derek Lowe’s six wins. He is coming off seven innings of one-run ball against the Dodgers in his last start. Derek Lowe hasn’t allowed more than three runs since the beginning of May. He is coming off three earned runs in seven innings against the D-Backs.

6/4 – 7:00
Carlos Zambrano (3-2, 4.22…2-2, 4.62 in 10 starts)
vs.
Jair Jurrjens (5-2, 2.59)

Carlos Zambrano makes his first start since being suspended for his tirade against the Pirates. As is the case with every season for Zambrano, a few very bad outings keep him from setting league records for ERA. He has been consistent since allowing seven runs to the Cardinals in mid-April, but hasn’t gone more than six innings since late April. Jair Jurrjens struggled with run support in his last start, allowing five runs in five innings to the D-Backs.

Key Cubs Relievers:
CL – Kevin Gregg (21.1 IP, 11 ER, 8 SV…15.1 IP, 9 ER, 4 SV)
SU – Carlos Marmol (23 IP, 8 ER, 12 HLD…7 IP, 2 ER, HLD)
MR – Angel Guzman (22.1 IP, 7 ER, 5 HLD…6.1 IP, 6 ER)

Key Cubs Hitters:
LF – Alfonso Soriano (.246, 12 HR, 25 RBI….353, 15 HR, 34 RBI in 36 games)
1B – Derrek Lee (.248, 5 HR, 19 RBI….253, 20 HR, 60 RBI in 117 games)
CF – Kosuke Fukudome (.309, 5 HR, 20 RBI….320, HR, 6 RBI in 6 games)

Key Cubs Injuries:
3B/LF – Ryan Freel (15-day, strained hamstring)
2B/SS – Aaron Miles (15-day, strained shoulder)
SP – Rich Harden (15-day, back strain)
RP – Chad Fox (15-day, elbow inflammation)
3B – Aramis Ramirez (15-day, dislocated shoulder)

Notes:
Jordan Schafer was sent down to Gwinnett to work out his troubles. Gregor Blanco has been called up as his replacement… Tom Glavine will make one more rehab start Tuesday to determine whether he is ready to return by June 12th.

Topics: Alfonso Soriano, Braves, Carlos Zambrano, Cubs, derek lowe, derrek lee, jair jurrjens, Kosuke Fukudome, Preview, Ted Lilly