Diamondbacks @ Cubs, 2.20pm ET

Arizona
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C. Counsell, 2b .267
C. Tracy, rf .295
L. Gonzalez, lf .277
T. Glaus, 3b .252
T. Clark, 1b .328
S. Green, cf .286
A. Cintron, ss .271
C. Snyder, c .222
B. Halsey, p .081

Cubs
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J. Hairston Jr, cf .271
R. Cedeno, ss .261
D. Lee, 1b .367
A. Ramirez, 3b .312
M. Barrett, c .273
J. Burnitz, rf .277
N. Perez, 2b .265
M. Murton, lf .481
J. Williams, p .077


ARI: LHP Brad Halsey • 6-7, 4.00 ERA in 2005 • 0-0, 4.50 ERA vs. CHC in career
CHC: RHP Jerome Williams • 3-3, 4.91 ERA in 2005 • 2-1, 4.50 ERA vs. ARI in 2004


I must admit I don't know much about the D-Backs, except that they can slug when they want to. 3-6 in the order can slap their fair share of Home Runs, and have done frequently this season. In the first series of the season, the Diamondbacks pilfered 2 of 3 from our gallant Cubs, despite losing 16-6 in the first (televised) game of the trio. The DL has not been entirely kind to them, with 2 of their top starters (Shawn Estes and Russ Ortiz) and their front-line closer (Brandon Lyon) taking up residence amongst the sick and injured.

However, they are capable of keep up with any team, and the Cubs are no exception.

Over the last 7 days, none of the Arizona Snakes are batting particularly well.

Top D-Backs (last week)
Luis Gonzalez: 8-24, RBI, 6 K
Royce Clayton: 7-26, RBI

The Cubs, conversely, have a number of spry bats in the lineup that should take advantage of a weakened rotation.

Aramis: 10-29, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 6 R
Hairston: 8-25
D. Lee: 7-26, HR, 4 RBI, 4 R
Barrett: 6-23, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R

Prediction: Heck, why not? Cubs take 3 of 4 and whack this wusses right out of town. With Williams, Prior, Hill and Maddux taking on Halsey, Vazquez, Gosling and Webb, there is even the potential for a sweep. Their bullpen is weak, so let's watch anxiously as King Rib takes the mound and hopefully alohas Arizona back to their hotel.