NEWSLETTER
[Pre-Gamin’ posts serve as both your precursor to the day’s game, and your place for conversation about the game when it gets going. So, if and when you’re looking for a Game Thread on a given day, check out the Pre-Gamin’ post. There it shall be. These posts will be much more robust when the regular season gets underway, but, for the purposes of the Spring, they should give you what you need to know.]
The Cubs play the Reds today, with Trevor Cahill getting the start. Like Travis Wood before him, Cahill currently projects to be in the bullpen when the season opens, but, for now, he’ll be stretched out like a starter, just in case.
Kyle Schwarber, the birthday boy, is not in the starting lineup, but he’s expected to get into the game. Given that Miguel Montero is DH’ing and Tim Federowicz is starting behind the plate, I wonder if Schwarber will get into the game for a couple innings behind the plate.
Jorge Soler gets the start in left field, which is a first for him with the Cubs. Obviously he’ll need to get comfortable there quickly if he’s to see early-season playing time, which is the expectation. Soler’s defense in right field was dicey last year, and while mistakes can be less damaging in left field, there are more opportunities for them in left than in right. Fingers crossed that his development, defensively, has continued.
The game is not televised today, though it will be on the radio at 670 The Score, their first broadcast as the Cubs’ new flagship radio station.
- Kris Bryant, 3B
- Anthony Rizzo, 1B
- Jorge Soler, LF
- Miguel Montero, DH
- Shane Victorino, RF
- Tim Federowicz, C
- Arismendy Alcantara, 2B
- Albert Almora, CF
- Gleyber Torres, SS
If you’re at the park, keep a lookout for Michael, who’ll be taking in the game in person. And follow him on Twitter.
