NEWSLETTER
[I’ll later have thoughts on the Astros’ total bummer of a failure to sign top pick Brady Aiken today, which will have unfortunate ramifications for the Cubs. Such a shock.]
Away we go. One of these years, today’s game is going to be met with a sense of “oh man, it’s time to really get rolling.” Maybe next year. That would be awesome.
For 2014, however, today’s game is met with … I hope Edwin Jackson pitches really well in his next three starts. Just in case.
In case there was any lingering doubt, Arismendy Alcantara does indeed stay with the team for now – at least until one of those pitchers comes up or until Emilio Bonifacio is ready, then we’ll see – and he keeps on starting. Tonight it’s at second base.
Game Info
Chicago Cubs (40-54) at Arizona Diamondbacks (40-56), 8:40 CT on CSN.
Game Thread and Series Preview
Game threads now live here in the comments – and with Disqus, they should be even more enjoyable.
The Series Preview lives here.
Starting Pitchers
Edwin Jackson (5.64 ERA, 4.26 FIP, 4.02 xFIP; 1.98 K/BB)
versus
Trevor Cahill (5.66 ERA, 4.15 FIP, 3.94 xFIP; 1.76 K/BB)
Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup
1. Aaron Hill, 2B
2. David Peralta, CF
3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B
4. Miguel Montero, C
5. Mark Trumbo, LF
6. Martin Prado, 3B
7. Gerardo Parra, RF
8. Didi Gregorius, SS
9. Trevor Cahill, P
Chicago Cubs Lineup
1. Chris Coghlan, LF
2. Arismendy Alcantara, 2B
3. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
4. Starlin Castro, SS
5. Luis Valbuena, 3B
6. Justin Ruggiano, CF
7. Ryan Sweeney, RF
8. Welington Castillo, C
9. Edwin Jackson, P
