Today the Chicago Cubs head out to Surprise, Arizona to take on the Kansas City Royals. Jeff Samardzija gets his first Spring start. He’ll likely go just two innings, but it will be interesting to see what kind of pitches he’s throwing, and what approach he takes to getting guys out. Is he going for the strikeout, or is he trying to pitch economically?
The game is at 2:05 CT, and will be broadcast on WGN radio.
The lineup features a number of back-up types, hoping to win a spot on the roster:
1. Dave Sappelt, CF
2. Reed Johnson, LF
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Jae-Hoon Ha, DH
6. Darwin Barney, 2B
7. Matt Tolbert, 3B
8. Steve Clevenger, C
9. Joe Mather, RF
“1. Dave Sappelt, RF
2. Reed Johnson, LF…
9. Joe Mather, RF”
I’m assuming Sappelt or Johnson is in CF and that the Cubs aren’t starting two RFers.
Johnson can cover left and center, actually. Sappelt and Mather are redefining a ST positional battle.
Gotta try new things in ST, right?
Yeah, Sappelt is in center.
No if THAT line up doesn’t put the fear of God in opposing pitchers….
Jae-Hoon Ha batting 5th makes me afraid Sveum is pulling his lineups out of a hat.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that in spring training.
I think there will be only 2 constants in the lineup: Castro batting 3rd and LaHair 4th. Other than that, the only certains are that there will be no certains.
Hope not as Castro is not yet a 3 hitter. He will be eventually if he learns to drive the ball and tries for hitting extra base hits rather than his typical single through the box or over infielders head. Maybe he needs to get stronger first.
I took it more as a sign that Sveum sees Stewart as a number 5 hitter (Ha was a late replacement in the lineup for Stewart).
Over/under on times Cardenas plays SS in ST: (blank)
2.
Hold the phone!!! I was just checking out the box score and noticed Campana has an outfield assist by throwing-out Francoeur at first? Is this accurate? Did Francoeur break his leg or fall in a ten-foot hole?
Looks like a double play – Campana to LaHair
That…is beyond embarrassing. Like…on the level of being thrown out by Juan Pierre or Damon, lmao.
The Shark lloking good in his first action of the spring. Three innings, 0 runs, 3 K’s, no BB’s and a hit. Very economical with his pitches according to Hughes and Moreland.
I love giving Sappelt a shot in leadoff, and CF.