Open Thread: Cubs vs. Reds, Saturday 9/29, 2:55 CT

Photo by David Sameshima, taken late Friday night

CINCINNATI -- In addition to the division title clinching, a couple of club records were tied yesterday by Alfonso Soriano: his HR was his 13th in the month of September, tying a record set by Ernie Banks fifty years ago. And when he threw Joey Votto out at the plate, that was his 19th outfield assist of the year -- tying that record, which was set by Hank Sauer in 1951.

Today's Starting Pitchers

R. Hill Cubs vs. A. Harang Reds 10-8 W-L 16-5 4.05 ERA 3.70 179 SO 205 62 BB 52 27 HR 26 vs. Cin -- vs. Cubs

This is likely to be played like an exhibition game; many regulars on both teams will be rested, so matchups don't mean very much. I imagine Rich Hill would like to throw well, not only to tune up for the postseason, but to get his season ERA under 4.00, and have a satisfying end to his first full season as a rotation starter. He's thrown well against the Reds this season -- 1-0, 3.24 in three starts.

Aaron Harang is always tough, not only on the Cubs, but on everyone; the 16-5 record gives him the second-best winning percentage of any rotation starter in baseball this year (Brad Penny, 16-4, is the only one better). Harang beat the Cubs eleven days ago at Wrigley Field, but isn't likely to face many, or maybe not even ANY, regulars, this afternoon.

Note for the playoffs: Looks like Henry Blanco's the odd-man out and Jason Kendall and Geovany Soto will be the two catchers.

Today's game is on WGN. It's also on Fox-TV stations in 39% of the USA. For other games tonight check today's Mediacenter link.

MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)

MLB.com Gameday (2006 version)

Discuss amongst yourselves.