Different series, different location, same stakes. The White Sox can continue their climb up the ranks of the AL Central at the Cubs’ expense. The Cubs are struggling to stay
atop the NL Central. The Tribune looks at key Cubs and Sox players who can sway the outcome of the series.
WHITE SOX: WHO’S HOT
Jose Valentin has had a hit in seven straight games, batting .321 with four extra-base hits. Brian Daubach is hitting .378 over his last 14 games with an official at-bat. Esteban Loaiza has a 2.20 ERA in day games.
WHITE SOX: WHO’S NOT
Paul Konerko is 4-for-26 in his last 10 games and couldn’t knock in a run from third with one out in the ninth inning Thursday. Joe Crede has two hits in his last 17 at-bats. Reliever Gary Glover has not been used since June 11, a span of 14 games. Billy Koch nearly blew the save
Saturday at Wrigley Field after giving up two hits and a walk in the ninth.–teddy greenstein, tribune
CUBS: WHO’S HOT
Mark Grudzielanek reached base four of the five times he batted as the leadoff man Thursday. Moises Alou is hitting .365 over his last 17 games. Sammy Sosa has hit safely in 12 of his last 14 games, with home runs in two of the last three.
Kerry Wood faced Roger Clemens and didn’t blink three weeks ago in a “statement” game. Now he gets Esteban Loaiza on Sunday, and the Cubs need another statement.
CUBS: WHO’S NOT
The Cubs brought Jose Hernandez in for a little batting pop. He is striking out once every three plate appearances and contributing (hit, walk, sacrifice) less than once every three trips. The Cubs need more than that in this series.
The bullpen has been steady most of the season but has collapsed in consecutive losses to the Brewers in which starters left with the lead. Corey Patterson struck out twice Thursday and is 12-for-56 (.214) in his last 14 games.–john mullin, tribune
Round 2: Sox vs. Cubs
Season series: Sox lead 2-1
Friday: Matt Clement (5-7, 5.06 ERA)
vs. Dan Wright (0-3, 5.57). 1:05 p.m.;
Fox Sports Net, WMVP-AM 1000, WGN-AM 720.
Saturday: Carlos Zambrano (6-6, 2.95)
vs. Bartolo Colon (6-7, 3.93). 3:05 p.m.;
WGN-Ch. 9, WMVP-AM 1000, WGN-AM 720.
Sunday: Kerry Wood (7-5, 2.94) vs.
Esteban Loaiza (11-2, 1.99). 1:05 p.m.;
Fox Sports Net, WMVP-AM 1000, WGN-AM 720.
