Here we go. I’m not going to overstate today’s game – this is still one (probably) bad team facing another (very likely) bad team – but winning back-to-back four-game series, even against lowly teams, is pretty hard to pull off. The Cubs can do it today, which would pull them to within four games of .500.
The lineup is a bit wonky, even with Alfonso Soriano returning. Starlin Castro is sliding down into the five-hole, with Cody Ransom (there’s a lefty on the mound) batting second. Apparently Dale Sveum has said this isn’t a permanent change (lets hope not – the two-hold is arguably for your best hitter), but I wonder if this is a possible new “against lefties” lineup. We’ll see.
Scott Hairston has slipped all the way down to the 7th spot in the lineup.
Game Info
San Diego Padres (10-17) at Chicago Cubs (11-16), 1:20 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
Eric Stults (2-2, 5.67 ERA, 5.25 K/BB)
versus
Travis Wood (2-1, 2.25 ERA, 2.09 K/BB)
San Diego Padres Lineup
1. Chris Denorfia, CF
2. Everth Cabrera, SS
3. Chase Headley, 3B
4. Carlos Quentin, LF
5. Jesus Guzman, 1B
6. Kyle Blanks, RF
7. Jedd Gyorko, 2B
8. Nick Hundley, C
9. Eric Stults, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dave Sappelt, CF
2. Cody Ransom, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Scott Hairston, RF
8. Darwin Barney, 2B
9. Travis Wood, P