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Let's look at losing streaks, shall we? Because that's about all we've got right now.
The 2010 Cubs, headed for oblivion, lost seven in a row in late July and early August -- but that was their longest loss string. Today, the Cubs go for eight losses in a row. A Cubs team has lost eight in a row eight different times in the last 20 years -- in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2001, twice in 2005, 2006, and 2009. Note they had two streak like that in winning seasons -- 2001 and 2009.
Over that same period the Cubs have had five losing streaks longer than eight: nine, three different times (1991, 1997 and 2002), ten in 1994, and 14 straight (to open the season) in 1997, the famous streak that caused Tom Trebelhorn to have his "Firehouse Chat". That is the longest losing streak in team history.
It is in the realm of possibility that this Cubs team could threaten or break that streak. Cubs teams have in relatively recent times lost 11 straight (1973), 12 straight (1981) and 13 straight (1982 and 1985).
The team record for losses, which is 103, set in 1962 and tied in 1966, would seem to be in jeopardy this year. I don't want to come across as 100% negative, given the fact that I try to see the bright side in everything. But I don't see too many bright sides to look at right now.
Nevertheless, the Cubs will play again tonight. (If you're really looking for failure to top, the longest losing streak in the last 20 years by any team is 19, by the 2005 Royals.)
Cubs lineup:
Fukudome RF, Barney 2B, Castro SS, Peña 1B, Ramirez 3B, DeWitt LF, Campana CF, Soto C, Davis P
No Tyler Colvin tonight -- he hasn't had a hit since April. Which means he'll probably pinch hit tonight, and make it 0-for-his-last-32.
Reds lineup:
Stubbs CF, Phillips 2B, Votto 1B, Bruce RF, Gomes LF, Cairo 3B, Hernandez C, Janish SS, Volquez P
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Look! An opposing pitcher whose ERA is higher than the Cub starter's!
Won't matter. During this losing streak, the Cubs have scored more than four runs only once, and that's when they lost 12-7 to the Astros. They have scored 13 total runs in their last six games.
Look! An opposing pitcher who walks a lot of guys!
Won't matter. The Cubs are dead last in the major leagues in walks, and by a significant margin.
Look! An opposing pitcher who's given up a lot of home runs!
Won't matter. The Cubs have hit only 40 home runs in 58 games and have only seven in their last 16 games.
So for me to tell you that Doug Davis is 6-3 with a 3.31 career ERA vs. the Reds is pretty irrelevant. Edinson Volquez has already pitched against the Cubs twice this year, winning once, and in the other had a no-decision and nine strikeouts in a game the Reds also won.
Don't expect miracles today.
Today's game is on CSN Chicago and FSN Ohio. here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Please visit our SB Nation Reds site Red Reporter. The usual caution is advised.
Today's first pitch thread will be up at 6 p.m. CDT and the overflow threads will post at 7 pm, 8 pm and 8:45 pm CDT. If you need more overflows due to extra innings or rain delays, post them in the fanshot section.
Discuss amongst yourselves.