Pre-Gamin’: Pirates v. Cubs (12:05 CT) – Lineups, Broadcast Info, etc.

If the Cubs beat the Pirates again today, I’m thinking their goose is cooked – it would also drop the Pirates to .500 on the year, which is kind of sad for them and their fans. Shrug.

We finally get our first look at waiver pick-up/Jeff Samardzija fill-in Jason Berken today. He’ll get a few starts to end the year before likely being lumped in with a huge mass of 4th/5th starter candidates going into 2013 (assuming he survives the Winter on the roster).

Game Info

Pittsburgh Pirates (72-71) at Chicago Cubs (57-87), 12:05 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

Wandy Rodriguez (10-13, 3.72 ERA, 3.91 FIP)

versus

Jason Berken (First big league start this year; he had one relief appearance with the Orioles)

Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup

(The Pirates are slow with their official lineup, so, for now, this is their lineup from yesterday.)

1. Brock Holt, 2B

2. Starling Marte, LF

3. Andrew McCutchen, CF

4. Garrett Jones, RF

5. Gaby Sanchez, 1B

6. Michael McKenry, C

7. Pedro Alvarez, 3B

8. Clint Barmes, SS

9. Wandy Rodriguez, P

Chicago Cubs Lineup

1. Joe Mather, CF

2. Darwin Barney, 2B

3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B

4. Alfonso Soriano, LF

5. Starlin Castro, SS

6. Welington Castillo, C

7. Josh Vitters, 3B

8. Dave Sappelt, RF

9. Jason Berken, P