I know you’re all obsessing about Matt Garza and the impending (probably) trade, but there’s some baseball to watch tonight. And there’s a heck of a story line in center field: Junior Lake. As in, he’s starting. As in, he’s starting in center field for the first time this year. As in, he’s starting in center field for the first time in his professional career. He’s appeared in six games in right field.
He’s a freak of an athlete, though, so he can handle it (in terms of physical ability). We’ll see how his reads look, but I’m very excited to watch. Hopefully he can avoid the center-field-hating beasts that have attacked his predecessors.
Game Info
Colorado Rockies (46-50) at Chicago Cubs (42-51), 7:40 CT on WGN.
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 (5-9, 4.06 ERA, 3.62 FIP)
versus
Jorge De La Rosa (9-5, 3.21 ERA, 3.52 FIP)
Colorado Rockies Lineup
1. Dexter Fowler, CF
2. D.J. LeMahieu, 2B
3. Carlos Gonzalez, LF
4. Troy Tulowitzki, SS
5. Michael Cuddyer, RF
6. Todd Helton, 1B
7. Wilin Rosario, C
8. Nolan Arenado, 3B
9. Jorge De La Rosa, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Darwin Barney, 2B
2. Cody Ransom, 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Alfonso Soriano, LF
5. Starlin Castro, SS
6. Junior Lake, CF
7. Dave Sappelt, RF
8. Welington Castillo, C
9. Jeff Samardzija, P