Monday, April 12, 1999
SCOUTING REPORT
Reds (2-4) at Cubs (2-4)
›Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago.
• When: 2:20 p.m. today, Wednesday and Thursday.
• Radio: WLW-AM (700).
• TV: Fox Sports Ohio, today only.
At the plate
The biggest question on the Cubs: Where's Sammy? Right fielder Sammy Sosa, whose 66 homers last year added drama to the 1998 season, finally hit his first home run Sunday in six games and has struggled at the plate. He gave no indication of this slump during spring training, when he led the majors with 12 homers.
First baseman Mark Grace is always a threat against the Reds, sporting a career .320 average against them.
Princeton High School graduate Lance Johnson excelled against the Reds last year, batting .469 (15-for-32).
Benito Santiago, who signed a one-year contract with an option for 2000, has become the Cubs' starting catcher. He hit .286 with 11 homers and 44 RBI for the Reds in 1995, helping them win the NL Central title.
On the mound
• Today: Steve Avery (0-1, 3.52 ERA) vs. Kevin Tapani (1-0, 3.00).
• Tuesday: Scheduled day off.
• Wednesday: Pete Harnisch (1-0, 0.00) vs. Jon Lieber (1-0, 1.13).
• Thursday: Brett Tomko (0-0, 6.75) vs. Scott Sanders (0-1, 3.38).
Outlook
Today is the Cubs' home opener, so expect an emotionally charged atmosphere at the corner of Clark and Addison streets. Rain is forecasted for today, which means Tuesday's scheduled off-day could come in handy if conditions get soggy.
The Cubs won six of 11 games against the Reds last year, though the teams split their six games at Wrigley.
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