Cubs Pitching Overshadows Historic Return to Fenway Park

COMMENTARY | In just a few hours, the Chicago Cubs will begin a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Perhaps you think this is just another stop for the Cubs this year. I assure you it is not. Boston and Chicago haven't met in Fenway Park in 93 years.

Jesse Sanchez has posted an article at the MLB.com website titled "Cubs face Sox at Fenway for first time since 1918." The Cubs lost the 1918 World Series to Boston. That year was just one in the last century when Cubs fans suffered.

As Sanchez reports, the Red Sox are in good shape when it comes to inter-league, play boasting a record of 13-5 for the 2010 season. Further, they are fourth all-time, with a 140-107 record.

While the game is historic and brings color to the season of both clubs, the game has a lot of importance to Chicago in another way.

Since the Cubs have two pitchers injured, they have been scrambling to find replacements before the season gets away from them. Casey Coleman has filled in admirably, but so far he has been the only answer. As a result, the Cubs signed a deal with Doug Davis (0-1, ERA 1.80), a 35-year-old, 13-year veteran. While not an "Ace," Davis is seasoned. While obtaining a loss last Saturday, he managed an ERA of just 1.80, which is certainly something to build on later today.

Going for the Red Sox will be John Lester (5-1, ERA 3.28). Lester has won his last five decisions but has been struggling as far as handing out walks.

The Sox are playing good ball right now but so are the Cubs. It seems safe to say both teams will be up for the game, so it is difficult to predict a winner.

I will say this: The Cubs appear to have found a fourth starter in Coleman. Their hitting is coming around. If Doug Davis can hold his own, if even for awhile, Chicago has a shot at melding as a competitor. If not, the season could get away from the Cubs.

References:

MLB.com Website, Jesse Sanchez, "Cubs face Sox at Fenway for first time since 1918"

MLB.com Website, "Doug Davis Statistics"

MLB.com Website, "Jon Lester Statistics"