Amidst the rumors and Draft excitement, you totally forgot there was a Cubs game today, didn’t you?
Assuming the game goes off as planned (there’s a bit of unseasonal rain in the Bay Area today), the Cubs will try to salvage the final game of a four-game series with the Giants. Jeff Samardzija gets the start, about which I’d say positive things, but, like, the Cubs still have to score a couple runs for him to even have a chance. In their last six games against teams not named the Padres, the Cubs have scored a total of 12 runs.
I do really like the Cubs’ lineup today, though.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (18-35) at San Francisco Giants (30-24), 2:45pm CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
The Game Thread lives here. You should participate in the madness. And, of course, for those who aren’t into message board-style game threads, please feel free to use the comments on this post for your in-game commentary/outbursts.
The Series Preview for this series lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Jeff Samardzija (5-3, 3.09 ERA, 2.98 FIP)
versus
Ryan Vogelsong (3-2, 2.36 ERA, 3.73 FIP)
San Francisco Giants Lineup
1. Nate Schierholtz, RF
2. Ryan Theriot, 2B
3. Melky Cabrera, LF
4. Buster Posey, C
5. Angel Pagan, CF
6. Brandon Belt, 1B
7. Joaquin Arias, 3B
8. Brandon Crawford, SS
9. Ryan Vogelsong, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Tony Campana, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. David DeJesus, RF
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Bryan LaHair, 1B
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Darwin Barney, 2B
8. Steve Clevenger, C
9. Jeff Samardzija, P
I know I always bring this up, but I can’t help it. Maybe I missed something. Is Cardenas ever going to play again or even still on the roster?
Rain’s gone. Play ball, suckers!
heres hoping for 3 runs today!
I like this lineup. It should be interesting to see what they can do.
Prediction: this lineup (Brett’s right- it’s a good one) crushes Vogelsong. You know how we like to make crap pitchers look great and vice versa, right? Plus, LaChampion is back in the lineup! Hopefully his constant resting has helped his back and no rust accumulated.
Go Cubs.
Zito shut us down yesterday so I have to bet you that this lineup does not crush Zito today. Also we make all pitchers look great as long as they aren’t named Roy Halladay. Other than that we do not make good pitchers look bad.
I’m pretty sure he’s saying,”if they would have played this lineup yesterday, they would have crushed Zito”
I’m pretty sure he was making a prediction for tonight but maybe he meant this lineup would have done well yesterday. Did not make himself clear.
What’r you talking about? I totally said Vogelsong, not Zito, and definitely didn’t edit my comment. Definitely.
C’mon! I completely gave you an out on that one and you came clean anyway!
Was LaHair having back issues again? I didn’t hear that. If true that makes me feel a little better about why he’s been sitting so much recently.
Back issues often are long-term issues, and they definitely are something where preventative medicine (e.g., days off against pitchers who might induce back-straining swings) are a smart treatment.
At least Koyie Hill isn’t starting. I’m still chasing silver linings.
I think if you’re gonna put Castro at #2 (which is where I would put him) you cant have Campana leading off. There just isnt any on-base skill at the top. Dejesus should be at the top.
I’m curious as to what is gonna happen with this line-up. I like it.
2 hit shutout
That’s really good pitching by Shark!
Yeah but with our offense he will still lose the game.
Just when DeJesus was hitting the ball well, we move him to 3rd in the lineup like he’s Billiy Williams or something. I would have left DeJesus at the top with Castro 2nd and then put Campana in the 8th spot. At #8 when he gets on the pitcher can move him over and then the top of the lineup has a chance to knock him in. I know Sveum is trying anything and everything but his head has to be spinningly depressed by now. Come one Cubs lets’ win one in a row today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay! We’re winning!!! Fingers crossed!!!
Oh man Castro ….. wow, that’s not good at all…..
Not to make a big deal about it, but Starlin needs a day or two off.
marmol the great strikes again! so glad to have you back you chump
Marmol back to being well, Marmol. Go ahead run once again given up.