Talkin’ Cubs Live – Cubs vs. Reds – 08/28/10

Randy Wells (5-12, 4.56/1.42) vs. Bronson Arroyo (14-7, 3.82/1.17)

Can the Cubs get back in the win column tonight behind Randy Wells? The Cubs are 3-1 under Mike Quade and it will take a great outing from Randy Wells in order to avoid dropping their second game in as many days.

August is nearly over, September call-ups are on the way … and the Chicago Cubs will look to play spoiler tonight in the Queen City. The Reds have owned the Cubs this season (11-3 in 14 versus the Cubs) and today figures to be more of the same. The Cubs have not beaten Bronson Arroyo since September 28, 2007 …

In other News
Carlos Silva completed his first rehab start Friday night. Silva tossed 50 pitches in 2 2/3 innings for the Peoria Chiefs. Silva gave up a pair of singles and struck out on. Silva is expected to throw one more rehab start before rejoining the Cubs after the rosters expand on September 1.

Tyler Colvin is continuing to take grounders at first base according to a report from Bruce Miles. The Cubs are not looking to rush him into “game action” at first with Micah Hoffpauir on the roster. Colvin should receive time at first in the near future but the Cubs have yet to say when …

Happy Birthday to Lou Piniella … the former Cubs skipper turns 67 today.

Tonight it all begins with Randy Wells, who is celebrating his 28th birthday … Randy Wells is coming off another horrible outing and while he had two good outings against the Padres (August 17) and Reds (August 7), Wells has not posted a win since July 23. The Cubs are 0-6 in his last six starts.

Wells served up three homers to the Braves, his second three-longball game in two outings. Wells walked four and more than struggled with his command. Wells is 0-4 in his last five starts with a 6.52 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP.

Wells is in the worst stretch of his short career and must figure out a way to finish the year on a positive note. While Tom Gorzelanny has earned a spot in the rotation for 2011, Wells’ has not earned anything but a tryout in Spring Training.

Tonight will be Wells’ third start of the year against the Reds. He is 1-1 in the first two with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP … for his career, 3-1 in six starts with a 2.58 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP.

Reds Career Numbers against Randy Wells

• Bronson Arroyo – 1-for-2
• Jay Bruce – 1-for-7 with a double
• Miguel Cairo – 0-for-1
• Jonny Gomes – 2-for-11 with a walk
• Ryan Hanigan – 4-for-8 with a walk
• Chris Heisey – 1-for-3 with a walk
• Ramon Hernandez – 3-for-9
• Paul Janish – 0-for-7 with a walk
• Brandon Phillips – 5-for-17 with 2 walks
• Scott Rolen – 2-for-8 with a double and a walk
• Drew Stubbs – 3-for-6 with a double and a home run
• Joey Votto – 2-for-14 with a walk

Bronson Arroyo has owned the Chicago Cubs since he was traded back to the National League prior to the 2006 season. From shutout after shutout to hitting home runs off Glendon Rusch, the Cubs always bring out the best in Bronson Arroyo.

Arroyo has been very impressive this season and is coming off back-to-back wins against the Dodgers and D’Backs. Arroyo held Ryan Theriot and company to two runs on seven hits in seven innings.

Arroyo is 3-1 in his last four starts with a 2.73 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP … and is 5-3 in eight starts after the break with a 3.33 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.

The Cubs have already lost twice to Arroyo in two games this season … without scoring a run. Arroyo has not allowed a run in 13 innings to the Cubs with 10 strikeouts, three walks and only seven hits allowed. Just dominant …

Cubs Career Numbers against Bronson Arroyo

• Jeff Baker – 0-for-1
• Marlon Byrd – 5-for-13 with a double and a home run
• Starlin Castro – 0-for-5
• Tyler Colvin – 0-for-6
• Blake DeWitt – 5-for-13 with a double
• Kosuke Fukudome – 1-for-16 with a walk
• Koyie Hill – 1-for-5 with a double and a walk
• Micah Hoffpauir – 0-for-1
• Xavier Nady – 6-for-21 with a double and a home run
• Aramis Ramirez – 9-for-42 with a double, a home run and 4 walks
• Alfonso Soriano – 8-for-42 with 5 doubles, a home run and 2 walks
• Geovany Soto – 2-for-9 with 3 walks
• Randy Wells – 1-for-2

Follow the CCO on Twitter

Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …