Basebaaaaaaaaall. It’s here.
The Cubs begin their Spring Training slate today by splitting the squad (and still managing to field intriguing lineups in both games) against the A’s at home, and the Giants on the road.
Although there is no video of today’s games, the audio for the game at Sloan Park will be at Cubs.com, and the audio for the game in Scottsdale should be available at the Giants’ site.
UPDATE: There is a video stream going on the Giants’ site right now of that game. I don’t know why or how long it will last, but here it is.
Travis Wood starts against the A’s, and Jacob Turner starts against the Giants. So, no time wasted in getting right into the rotation competition. Don’t expect either starter to go more than a couple innings, and, per the Spring Training caveats, don’t judge the results too harshly or too excitedly. It’s early, they’re working on things, and they’re building up arm strength.
Other pitchers available against the A’s: Francisley Bueno, Drake Britton, Neil Ramirez, Anthony Carter, Donn Roach, and Gonzalez Germen. It’s a good bet that all get in the game.
Other pitchers available against the Giants: Joe Ortiz, Hunter Cervenka, Corey Black, Blake Parker, Jorge De Leon, and Pierce Johnson. They’ll likely all get in, too.
The Cubs’ lineups:
Against the A’s at Sloan Park:
- Dexter Fowler, CF
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Starlin Castro, SS
- Miguel Montero, C
- Javier Baez, 2B
- Chris Coghlan, LF
- Mike Olt, 3B
- Ryan Sweeney, DH
- Junior Lake, RF
And against the Giants in Scottsdale:
- Tommy La Stella, 2B
- Chris Denorfia, LF
- Arismendy Alcantara, CF
- Jorge Soler, RF
- Welington Castillo, C
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Kyle Schwarber, DH
- Chris Valaika, 1B
- Addison Russell, SS
As it is in the regular season, you can consider this Pre-Gamin’ post also your game thread. So have at it.