Open Thread: Cubs vs. Reds, Tuesday 5/30, 7:05 CT

Here's a perfect example of how much the Cubs miss Derrek Lee, and not just for offense. In Maddux' last start, with two out, Ronny Cedeno threw a ball in the dirt that Todd Walker couldn't handle.

Lee would have made that play. Inning over, Cubs would have maintained a 3-1 lead. Instead, Maddux lost it, and the Marlins scored five runs, and the result was what you saw in Mike's cartoon from this morning's post.

Today's Starting Pitchers

G. Maddux Cubs vs. B. Claussen Reds 5-4 W-L 3-5 4.28 ERA 5.25 41 SO 44 16 BB 18 5 HR 12 vs. Cin -- vs. Cubs

Greg will be trying for the fifth time to tie Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton on the all-time wins list (324). He should pitch around Ken Griffey, Jr. -- 9-for-21 lifetime with 4 HR.

Hey, look! An opposing pitcher who's given up more HR than the Cub pitcher! Claussen's given up twelve in 58 innings. The Cubs already beat him once this year, WITHOUT a home run.

With this weather forecast:

... and the wind, thus, blowing out, it could be an interesting night.

Discuss amongst yourselves.