NEWSLETTER
ALL the split squad games.
Today the Cubs host the Angels at Cubs Park, and also head to Phoenix Municipal Stadium to take on the A’s. That latter game will feature Javier Baez making his debut at second base, which means, of course, that game is not the one that is televised. Instead, the Angels game will be on CSN, which is better than nothing. But, you know, I’d like to see Baez at second.
You can listen to that A’s game on Cubs.com, though, at least.
James McDonald, still trying to win the temporary fifth starter job, will start in Phoenix, while Edwin Jackson continues to tune up in Mesa.
Seriously, that A’s game features tons of stuff I wish I could watch: Darwin Barney makes another start at shortstop (Tigers, eh hem), and he’ll do so opposite Baez at second, which would be a little awkward if these guys weren’t all professionals. Christian Villanueva gets another start at third base in that game. I know these are all split squad days, but still, he’s getting a lot of starts over there. Ryan Kalish starts again in that game, too, together with Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters. Mike Olt was supposed to start at first, but he was scratched. So at least you aren’t missing that on TV.
The irony? That Angels game, which looks much less intriguing to watch, features a lineup with mostly regulars. If that doesn’t sum up the mindset of hardcore Cubs fans in 2014, I don’t know what does.
Lineup against the A’s:
- Junior Lake, CF
- Darwin Barney, SS
- Ryan Kalish, RF
- Chris Valaika, 1B
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Christian Villanueva, 3B
- Josh Vitters, DH
- Brett Jackson, LF
- Eli Whiteside, C
Lineup against the Angels:
- Emilio Bonifacio, SS
- Ryan Roberts, 2B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Justin Ruggiano, CF
- Nate Schierholtz, RF
- Welington Castillo, C
- Ryan Sweeney, DH
- Darnell McDonald, LF
- Luis Valbuena, 3B
