Today the Cubs host a split squad Dodgers team, and it’s Opening Day starter Ryan Dempster on the hill, making his final start of the Spring. The game is at 3:05 CT, and it’s available as a free audio broadcast on Cubs.com.
Since it’s a free audio, Friday afternoon game, how about a game thread? Here it is, at the Message Board.
The lineup today is a likely preview of the Opening Day lineup, according to manager Dale Sveum. It’s as good as any other configuration right now, given how guys are performing right now, and given the balance (though I’d still prefer Castro batting 2, Barney down at 8, and Soto up a couple spots):
1. David DeJesus, RF
2. Darwin Barney, 2B
3. Starlin Castro, SS
4. Bryan LaHair, 1B
5. Alfonso Soriano, LF
6. Ian Stewart, 3B
7. Marlon Byrd, CF
8. Geovany Soto, C
9. Ryan Dempster, P