The Cubs to Peoria – Arizona, not Illinois – to take on the Padres this afternoon.
Although they’ve already been cut (technically), both Jorge Soler and Javier Baez are in the lineup today, as Dale Sveum gives his vets a day off. Look at where they are in the lineup, and allow your dreams to run wild.
Alberto Gonzalez starts for the fourth straight day, which is partly due to the split squadding, but there were other guys available to start. I’m now pretty strongly convinced that he’s getting a very serious look as the “extra” 25th man, if the Cubs open the season without Ian Stewart.
Edwin Jackson starts for the Cubs. The game is available (audio) via Cubs.com/MLB.com.
The lineup:
1. Dave Sappelt, CF
2. Darnell McDonald, LF
3. Jorge Soler, RF
4. Javier Baez, SS
5. Steve Clevenger, C
6. Edwin Maysonet, 3B
7. Brent Lillibridge, 1B
8. Alberto Gonzalez, 2B
9. Edwin Jackson, P
Would Be encouraging to see another strong showing from Jackson today. Not feeling so well with a lot of the pitching we’ve seen lately.
Can Gonzales play short? Maybe he’s auditioning for the AAA SS gig until Lake is back.
Maybe – though you’d think he’d get some more starts at SS if that were the case.
And take Baez out of the line-up….OH NO !!!!
Seeing Soler and Baez makes me want to do one of those 2016 lineups I despise…
Baker felt soreness today and is getting an MRI.
Even if they find nothing, I’m betting they shut him down for a bit and that restarts his “get ready for the season” clock.
Anyone else catch Dave Kaplan’s article today on CSN? It say’s the City of Rosemont has offered the Ricketts family 25 acres of land to build a new stadium. Mayor Brad Stevens was quoted as saying “Bring the bricks,and ivy” Boy would I love to see that. I’m so sick of Wrigleyville holding the Cubs hostage. The article suggests the Cubs could save/earn up 75 million in additional revenue. A good read.
and the wheel turns. If that does not smell of a plant story nothing does.
My favorite part is about the amusement tax, Moving to Rosemont will reduce the Cubs amusement tax from 12% to 3%. Talk about taking money out of the hands of the city of Chicago.
Plant story or not, it is very telling, especially Cullerton’s comments which seem to imply that Rosement is not the only village or town to approach the Cubs with an opportunity to build a new stadium with little restrictions. I also believe Cullerton’s comments leaves the door wide open to leaving Wrigley Field and the City of Chicago behind if that can’t get a deal done soon, very soon.
There is plenty of land near public transportation and interstates to put a new stadium.
With the loss of the casino to Des Plaines, Rosemont has plenty of space available. It would be ideal because you have the Blue line; it’s very close to O’Hare; you have I-294, I-90 and I-190 coming together with off ramps that dump into the village; and tons of hotel rooms. To top it off you have Rosemont Horizon stadium for over flow parking and the convention center which could house the Cubs convention.
And, talk about after game activities. There are lots of establishments already in place to keep the fans around.
Go Cubs, Go………you can be playing there in 2015. (and that’ll give Rahm and Tunney plenty of time to explain themselves).
Like to see Soler go out with a bang today.
Been hitting the ball hard without the results.
Baez just made an incredible leaping catch to end a rally in the Bot. 3. Nice to see that he has a glove in addition to his bat.
And then gave the Cubs a lead with an RBI groundout next inning… after Soler advanced McDonald to third by hitting the ball to first base. Some nice situational hitting to score a run by the young guys.
Sappelt with another HR- two days in a row.
Yep, landed 10 ft. from my girl. I was on daddy duty taking my daughter to the bathroom. Might have had a souvenir otherwise. Go Cubs!!!
Lillibridge continues…lead off triple in the 7th.