On Deck: Dusty's Back in Town

Chicago Cubs (7-5) vs. Cincinnati Reds (6-7) - 8:05PM Est.

When Dusty Baker came to Chicago in 2003, he took over a team that was an annual bottom feeder in the NL Central and brought them to within five outs of the World Series. He was a savior. Then, four short years later, Dusty signified everything that was wrong with Cubdom to the team's fans. So he was run out of town in favor of Lou Piniella, and after taking a year off hanging out at ESPN, Dusty got himself a new job in Cincinnati. Now Dusty returns to Wrigley Field for the first time since being fired by the team. There's some question as to what kind of reception he'll receive from Cubs fans, and if I were a betting man, I'd bet my house, your house, and my weird neighbor's house all on "Gets booed like there's no tomorrow." Luckily for Dusty, he has an ace up his sleeve to combat the harsh reception he'll receive, and that ace is Aaron Harang. More importantly than backing up Dusty, the Reds would just like Harang to put an end to the team's current three-game skid. He's at the right place, as Aaron is 4-0 with a 4.65 ERA in eight career starts at Wrigley Field. Ryan Dempster, who is also facing his former team, gets the start for the Cubs, and so far his new/old role as a starter has worked out well. In two starts so far this season, Dempster has a 1-0 record and a very nice 0.69 ERA.

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