Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Giants – 08/12/10

Randy Wells (5-10, 4.37/1.40) vs. Matt Cain (9-9, 3.06/1.14)

Updated – 1:25pm CDT – Cubs purchase contract of Darwin Barney from Triple-A Iowa and added to 40-man roster. Barney was called-up on Thursday and is available for Thursday’s finale in San Francisco

It’s getaway day and runs figure to be at a premium for the Chicago Cubs this afternoon. The Cubs have dropped two of the first three games of the series by one-run … and have just added to the frustration that is the 2010 Chicago Cubs. Over the first three games, the Cubs have scored the same amount of runs as the Giants (15) but the Cubs have just one win to show for their efforts.

The Cubs are expected to call-up Darwin Barney from Triple-A Iowa before the game to take Mike Fontenot’s spot on the active roster. Fontenot was traded to the Giants before Wednesday’s game. Barney will be added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster when the move is officially made.

When Darwin Barney crosses the lines, he will become the 15th rookie to play for the Cubs this season … and the ninth to make his big league debut. The club record for rookies in a single season is 17, set back in 1902.

Aramis Ramirez was a late scratch Wednesday night. Ramirez was in the original starting lineup but sore ribs forced Jeff Baker into the starting lineup. Following Wednesday’s game, Trammell indicated Ramirez would likely be held out today. The Cubs have labeled the latest with Ramirez “ribcage soreness”. Ramirez hurt his left side diving for a ball Tuesday night.

Alan Trammell will call the shots again this afternoon in Piniella’s absence. Lou Piniella and Derrek Lee are expected to catch-up with the team in St. Louis on Friday.

In other news … A MRI on John Grabow’s left knee Wednesday revealed a torn MCL. John Grabow will miss the remainder of the season.

Today it all begins with Randy Wells … Randy Wells bounced back from his horrible start against the Brewers with a solid start versus the Reds. Wells put together seven strong innings but gave up three runs on five hits with a couple of walks and three strikeouts. Wells made only one mistake and Drew Stubbs took advantage.

Wells looked like the pitcher that took the mound in May and June against the Brewers. It is very important for Wells to finish the season strong and remain focused.

After posting a 2-2 record in five starts last month (1.83 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP), Wells is 0-2 in his last two games with a 7.36 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Since the break, Wells is 1-3 in five starts with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP.

This afternoon will be Wells’ second career start against the Giants. He was pounded pretty hard last September in San Francisco. Wells gave up five runs on 10 hits with a pair of walks and a strikeout in 5 1/3 innings (8.44 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP).

Giants Career Numbers against Randy Wells

• Matt Cain – 0-for-1
• Travis Ishikawa – 2-for-3
• Freddy Sanchez – 1-for-3
• Pablo Sandoval – 1-for-2 with a walk
• Juan Uribe – 2-for-3

Matt Cain is arguably the most underrated starting pitcher in the big leagues. Cain is often forgotten about for obvious reasons … except for by the teams facing him.

Cain has been lights out since the break and is coming off a hard-luck loss to the Braves. Cain allowed three runs on six hits in five innings. Tim Hudson shutout the Giants and picked up the 3-0 win.

Matt Cain has actually pitched better at home this season than Tim Lincecum. He is 6-3 in 11 starts at AT & T (including a complete game shutout) with a 2.48 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP.

Since the break, Cain is 3-1 in five starts with a 2.08 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP.

Today will be Cain’s ninth career start against the Cubs. He is 5-2 with a 2.41 ERA and a 0.93 WHIP.

Cubs Career Numbers against Matt Cain

• Jeff Baker – 2-for-8
• Marlon Byrd – 0-for-2 with a walk
• Blake DeWitt – 4-for-12 with a home run and 3 walks
• Koyie Hill – 2-for-4 with a double and a walk
• Xavier Nady – 2-for-6
• Aramis Ramirez – 3-for-13 with a double and a walk
• Alfonso Soriano – 1-for-6 with a home run and 3 walks
• Randy Wells – 1-for-2 with a double

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