The Cubs head to one of the most beautiful Spring Training complexes in Arizona, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, to take on the Colorado Rockies today.
Scott Feldman gets his second Spring start as he continues to tune up for the season. He’s set to open the year as the Cubs’ number three. Feldman will also get to bat today, as the Cubs are going without a DH. Well, he’ll get to bat assuming he doesn’t get bombed out in the first inning (unless the Cubs bat around in the top of the first).
Junior Lake gets yet another start at third base, which is becoming something of a trade. I wouldn’t say he’s a legitimate threat (yet) to break big league camp as the starting third baseman or anything, but the Cubs certainly have an eye toward his future spots on the diamond – and they’re mostly away from shortstop.
Hot-hitting Brian Bogusevic gets a chance to show what he can do at first base – skills there would go a long way toward him possibly making the team.
Today’s game is available (audio) on MLB.com/Cubs.com.
The lineup:
1. Dave Sappelt, CF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Welington Castillo, C
4. Scott Hairston, RF
5. Junior Lake, 3B
6. Brian Bogusevic, 1B
7. Edwin Maysonet, SS
8. Matt Szczur, LF
9. Scott Feldman, P
Brett, are Lakes’s chances of breaking camp in Chicago contingent upon Ian Stewart’s health? Lake seems a bit raw still but a throwaway year would be a good time to get him some experience.
If Stewart is on the big team, Lake almost certainly isn’t – so, yes, in that regard. But I think there’s almost no chance Lake breaks with the big team either way. He still needs some time at AAA, especially as he learns new positions.
thank you, I appreciate the response
To futher comment on that, is Lake going to be all over the IF or are they strictly lookin at 3B? If so wouldn’t Vitters be in his way? (So I am guessing 2B) Would he be a good candidate to be promoted if they do trade Barney then?
Bruce Levine did his weekly chat on ESPN.com…here’s a recap of the new and interesting things Bruce had to say in the chat:
Ha!! You mean Mr. Obvious didn’t bring anything unique to the table?
Had or head?
Who would the nation prefer, Bogusevic or Lillibridge to make the team?
Unfortunately, the choice will probably be “Bogusevic or both.” Because even if they are dumb enough to give Bogusevic an OF job over Sappelt, that still leaves the need for another infielder.
Sappelt should be the 5th OF & Lillibridge looks like he is the backup IF and may even take Stewarts spot
Sappy has got to be the #4 outfielder(didn’t follow what McDonald did there yesterday). So question will be do they go with 5 outfielders or the extra infielder.
Sveum calling Bogusevic the Joe Mather of this years spring.
Not a big fan of Lillybridge but I go with the infielder. God help us!
You always go with five outfielders. The question is whether they will go with five (the norm) or six (unusual).
Hairston is the 4th OF – Sappelt will be the 5th OF – primarily because he is right handed and can play CF
Ya. Got numbers mix up but the statement still holds up. Center field B/U was my main point for Sappelt making the team.
Man, I would rather have Clark Taylor then Brent Lillibridge.
Clark Taylor has a lot more upside:)
Exactly what I was thinking.
Gonna create him in MLB The Show 13 as Tony Campana 2.0.
I really like what they’re trying on the corners today. Go Cubs!
*than
I like Bogusevic because you can’t spell it without Bogus
Don’t kid yourself Judge. You’re quite a slouch.
Scott Feldman = Chris Volstad 2.0
I don’t know what’s more depressing… Feldman gave up 4 runs or that through 16 batters he had our only hit
The only hit by far.
.500 ERA was telling. Not too much be disappointed in.
Said that two three weeks ago and got blasted.
Had a conversation with some Texas fans that said he will go two three innings with lights out stuff then he will give up four runs in a inning and get yanked. Sounds like Volsted to me.
I like the volstad comparison… Hope it’s not true but he sure looked like it today…
Let’s allow the guy to not win 20 something starts in a row before we anoint him the new Volstad
The Travis Wood bandwagon is leaving the station. Hop on board you Cub fans.
Chicago Cubs @Cubs
Anthony Rizzo hit a solo HR at Phoenix Municipal Stadium for #TeamItaly off Fernando Rodriguez. #WBCBaseball pic.twitter.com/niM8uYpZkX
Those Italian ballplayers can really rake.
According to facebook Tony Rizzo hit a bomb for team Italy in the World Baseball Classic but I can’t find any games schedules for Italy today. Can somebody help me with this inconsistency?
Exhibition game.
Thanks Tim, I’m assuming it was the A’s from the picture.