The Cubs batted around in the first inning today (six runs, including the Christopher Morel homer), so I think they’re ready. Start the season tomorrow. Cubs win 8-1 over the White Sox.
- It was particularly fun to see Pete Crow-Armstrong and Matt Shaw both doubling in their first at bats of the spring.
- Later, Pete Crow-Armstrong scored from second on a groundball to third base. He just kept going as the third baseman made his throw. And there wasn’t even a play at the plate.
- From the in-game interview at the time:
- It was a perfectly fine opening outing for Jordan Wicks, who is competing for a rotation spot, yes, but is also just getting himself settled and ramped up. Get in, throw all your pitches, get through almost two innings, and then go chill. I didn’t really think much of the outing as I watched, which is fine. Once he starts stretching out and we get into start number three and four, that’s when you do a little more projecting based on what you’re seeing. Fifth starter competition discussion here.
- Oh Caleb Kilian. Are you going to do it to me again this spring? Guy was out there looking incredibly nasty, touching 98 mph, and buzzing through hitters. He did this last spring, though, and obviously did it in the Fall League before that. So I just can’t let myself buy it until he shows he can marry the premium stuff with enough command to actually miss bats when the real games start. Talked about the hopes for him this morning.
- Richard Lovelady, who looked really good today, has as good a chance as any of the non-roster guys of making the team. Health was the only reason he didn’t get a big league deal – returned from surgery last year, and didn’t have a full season to show he was really back. Funky delivery, different look for hitters.
- Bailey Horn and Jose Cuas (on the 40-man, options remaining) threw scoreless, two-strikeout innings.
- Hopefully the center field camera isn’t this blurry all spring:
- Craig Counsell is very happy to be where he is, apparently: