The Crosstown Classic is here!
Did you notice?
It pains me to be sarcastic about what was once a huge event in Chicago, but the cachet simply isn’t there this year. Whether it’s the five straight down seasons for the Cubs, or the general apathy on the South Side, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of pep for the series this year. Maybe Jeff Samardzija will throw a no-hitter tonight, and folks will get excited.
Scott Hairston draws the opening DH job for the Cubs, rather than Alfonso Soriano, who is starting in left field. Julio Borbon starts in center field against a lefty, rather than David DeJesus, and Ryan Sweeney starts in right field, rather than Nate Schierholtz. The Cubs are clearly protecting the lefty side of their platoons, which is fine with me.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (19-30) at Chicago White Sox (24-24), 6:10 CT on CSN (and WGN for White Sox broadcast).
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
Jeff Samardzija (2-6, 3.25 ERA, 3.27 K/BB)
versus
Jose Quintana (3-1, 3.48 ERA, 2.60 K/BB)
Chicago White Sox Lineup
1. Alejandro De Aza, CF
2. Alexei Ramirez, SS
3. Alex Rios, RF
4. Adam Dunn, DH
5. Paul Konerko, 1B
6. Dayan Viciedo, LF
7. Conor Gillespie, 3B
8. Jeff Keppinger, 2B
9. Tyler Flowers, C
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Julio Borbon, CF
2. Starlin Castro, SS
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Scott Hairston, DH
6. Welington Castillo, C
7. Cody Ransom, 3B
8. Ryan Sweeney, RF
9. Darwin Barney, 2B