A WIN! OMG A WIN! 2015 IS THE YEAR!
Thankfully, the Cubs put to rest the are-they-ever-going-to-win-ROFL stories today, beating the Dodgers 4-3 at Sloan Park. The Cactus League record never really mattered, but I’m sure the players wanted to get a win (or two) this Spring, so good for them. On to the next, and on to focusing on what really matters.
Among the things that matter, Jon Lester looked great once again. He’s just so efficient and focused out there, and he looks incredibly comfortable getting things done. That’s all you can ask from him in the Spring, and I really can’t wait to see him April 5 at Wrigley.
Brian Schlitter followed Lester and continued his rough Spring, allowing three earned runs on four hits. A couple of the hits were very close to being converted to outs by Mike Olt, but no dice. If everyone remains healthy, it’s going to be tough for Schlitter to win a spot in the pen out of Spring Training.
From there, the lefty parade held the Dodgers scoreless. Phil Coke made his Cubs debut, walking one and striking out one. Francisley Bueno and Zac Rosscup each struck out two in their innings of work. Drake Britton pitched a scoreless frame, but allowed two walks. Gonzalez Germen (not a lefty) allowed one hit.
Yasiel Puig made a ridiculous catch against the wall in center field, and I couldn’t help but thing two things at once: (1) such an unbelievable effort, and (2) you probably should try not to do that in Spring Training, if possible. Albert Almora made an incredible catch for the Cubs in center, too.
The Cubs scored early on Zack Greinke and then again on 18-year-old lefty super-prospect Julio Urias, who didn’t look particularly good in this one. Mike Olt had another great day, with a couple hits in three at bats.
Ryan Sweeney, who is trying to win a bench job, notched a hit and a walk in his three plate appearances.
A great deal of my day was chatting with BN’ers around the park (and Dennis even wound up taking me to Portillo’s after the win (which is why the Miscellany was delayed a little bit – worth it)). I was blown away by how many folks were there, and I really enjoyed talking to everyone. I also enjoyed doing this with a group of BN’ers who found each other in the outfield: