NEWSLETTER
The Cubs face lefty Wandy Rodriguez this evening in Pittsburgh for game number two on the season, and the lineup is dramatically changed, as you can see below.
There is so much I love about this lineup, though little of it is tied to the actual players in it. I’m very glad to see that Sveum is over his reticence to treat David DeJesus as a platoon player. DeJesus is great, but he’s had a terrible split against lefties for a very long time, and it’s not like his glove in center is going to save any runs. There’s no reason not to platoon him with Sappelt – something we’ve tentatively expected to happen – and I’m glad Sveum is going to follow through with it.
I’m also glad that it looks like we can count on platoons in CF, RF, and 3B. With a weak crop of starters, there’s no sense not to platoon to try and give yourself a teeny-tiny edge. The A’s have been doing it successfully for years, and it’s one of the ways – at the margins – that a team can surprise.
I’m also glad that it looks like Darwin Barney, when he returns, will remain at the bottom of the order, even against lefties. Barney is a great defender, and I’m eager for him to return, but he’s not much of a threat with the stick. No sense in moving him around when you’ve got platooners and righties up top who are a much better fit to see more at bats.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (1-0) at Pittsburgh Pirates (0-1), 6:05 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
Edwin Jackson (0-0, -.– ERA)
versus
Wandy Rodriguez (0-0, -.– ERA)
Pittsburgh Pirates Lineup
1. Starling Marte, LF
2. Garrett Jones, RF
3. Andrew McCutchen, CF
4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B
5. Gaby Sanchez, 1B
6. Neil Walker, 2B
7. Russell Martin, C
8. Clint Barmes, SS
9. Wandy Rodriguez, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Dave Sappelt, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Scott Hairston, RF
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Brent Lillibridge, 3B
8. Alberto Gonzalez, 2B
9. Edwin Jackson, P
