They haven`t announced the probable pitchers yet, but if things go according to plan, Greg Maddux, the winning pitcher here Wednesday night, should make his next start at home Monday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
That should be interesting. Maddux has come under intense criticism in recent days for his decision to reject a big-money offer from the Cubs and become a free agent at the end of the season.
Spreading it around: When Bob Scanlan got his fifth save of the season against the Reds Tuesday night, he became the fourth member of the bullpen to have at least five saves this season.
Only twice before-in 1990 and 1982-have four Cub pitchers had at least five saves in the same season. Rookie Jim Bullinger leads the team this year with seven saves. Scanlan, Chuck McElroy and Paul Assenmacher each have five. Last roundup: The Cubs left immediately after Wednesday night`s game for Houston, where they finish off a 10-game road trip with three against the Astros this weekend.
After Sunday`s game, the Astros begin their much-talked-about month-long road trip-the one forced on them because the Astrodome has been rented out for the Republican National Convention. Some time while the Cubs are in town, the sale of the Astros probably will be announced.
Waiting word: The Cubs expect a ruling either Thursday or Friday on their federal suit challenging Commissioner Fay Vincent`s order that they move to the National League West next season. U.S. District Judge Suzanne Conlon has studied written arguments in the case and is set to issue her decision.
Cubs attorney Geoffrey Anderson says the portion of the case the judge is expected to rule on Thursday is a request for a year`s delay on the team`s move to the NL West. He said it does not concern the question of the commissioner`s authority.
Sammy`s back: Sammy Sosa got his first base hit and first stolen base in more than a month. He did it at Triple-A Iowa when he went 1 for 7 in a double-header against Indianapolis.
Sosa is getting back into playing shape after breaking his hand. He should be back with the Cubs in about a week.
Another pick: The Cubs have signed another of their June draft picks, shortstop Emilio Mendez of Miami Beach (Fla.) High School. The Cubs have signed 31 of their 49 draft selections, including No. 1 pick, pitcher Derek Wallace, who signed earlier this week.
No chance: Just how bad is the Cub offense? The Cubs are the only team in the majors with an on-base average below .300, which means they`re not only failing to hit, they`re failing to draw walks.
The Cubs have the fewest number of bases on balls this year (251) and are second to last in hits for a .294 on-base percentage. The Mets, surprisingly, have the worst batting average in the National League (.234 to the Cubs`
.237), but they have a .317 on-base percentage.
