Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. Brewers - 03/27/08

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Spring Training Game Thirty: Cubs (14-14-1) vs. Brewers (17-10)
Game Time - 2:05pm C.T. TV: WGN TV, MLB.TV - Radio: 720 WGN, Gameday Audio on MLB.com
Location - HoHoKam Park, Mesa

TBD (0-0, -.--/-.--) vs. Steve Bray (1-0, 1.80/1.60)

Today's game at HoHoKam is the last for Lou Piniella's crew in the desert this spring. After this afternoon's match-up with the Brewers, the Cubs will make their way to Las Vegas for the annual 'Big League Weekend' at Cashman Field.

With the Cubs and Brewers opening up the regular season at Wrigley in a couple of days....look for both mangers to stop by minor league camp on their way to the park and pick up a few pitchers.

The only remaining spot on Lou Piniella's Opening Day roster is for a lefty in the pen. Sean Marshall is scheduled to throw in relief today and in Las Vegas. Marshall is the front-runner according to several reports, but Carmen Pignatiello has been just short of perfect this spring.

Ted Lilly is scheduled to make the start on Friday against the Mariners.

The Cubs main goal is to end the exhibition season completely healthy. They have shown a lot of improvement over the past 10 days....now it's time for them to carry it over to the regular season.

Opening Day is just 4 days away!!

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....

  • nick

    I third all who think Piggy has earned a spot in the pen and Marshall needs to be sent down to stay sharp as a starter. (can you really third something??)



    As for Fuku or Hoff Power, I still take Fuku.



    Man Monday is NOT going to come fast enough.

  • Trevor

    Cedeno has really been doing quite well this spring. I hope he can turn the corner this year and show consistently the talent he has. Unfortunately, I don't think Ronny is going to be able to do that in a bench role. Like Murton, he needs routine playing time.



    I'm going to second all those who said Piggy earned the spot and that Marshall should have been sent down. Marshall needs to keep himself sharp for a starter role or as a starter trade bait.



    Regardless, BRING ON MONDAY!

  • Austin

    I agree, Fuk over H-Power. However, Citron was released because Cedeno has no options left, and can't be sent back to the minors, so it was big leagues or trade...they said they signed Cintron in case a trade happened...I wonder which one...anyway...I really actually would rather have Fuk hitting 2nd, with his OBP, that would help because neither Soriano or Theriot are real OBP guys, and he is faster than Lee. Soriano could bat anywhere from 3-5, and I would be happy. But, we'll have to wait and see, both FUk and Soriano seem to be doing well as of late. Plus, it would be nice to have Fuk up with a few guys on (batting 5th), because he won't K as much as Soriano, good to keep the rally going!

  • Jack

    What does everyone think of Mariotti calling Cubs fans hypocrites in todays Sun times? These writers have a thing for putting all Cub fans in the same group when we all have our own opinion on things.

  • Trevor

    Fuk, if that was a serious question. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the Hoff, but Fuk should be very good for a long time for the Cubs.

  • Skijackz

    Who you rather have? HOFFPAUIR or Fuk?

  • Skijackz

    Austin:



    Completely agree on Marshall. Why mess with his head and his routine by having him come out of the bullpen. Do the Cubs really think that he's a relief pitcher? What do his minor league options look like (and where can I find this stuff out myself.) Piggy has been lights out and it would be nice to get him some innings in April/May before the rush happens.



    On the other hand. I really Fuk 5th in the lineup. Provide some good protection for Ramierez. Soriano is a decent #2 hitter but with his leg problems, I'd like to see him and Lee switch places. Lee has a much better average, better legs (when healthy) whereas Soriano can be that RBI guy and not have to run at the 3rd position.



    Not happy with Cintron being released. Cedeno isn't a bench player whereas Cintron would fit nicely. And with the impending release of Lahey means we are letting two very decent role players go. Lahey had no spot but still had a nice spring.

  • Austin

    Neil: good to hear, as many good decisions the Cubs have made, they sure seem to make some dumb ones...(Soriano batting 2nd and Fukudome 5th...Lieber in the 'pen...)



    Man, we have got to find a place for Hoffpauir to play (last AB aside)! It's ALMOST a shame we have Daryle Ward, but I love him...good game for a ST game...bring on MONDAY!!!

  • Neil

    Austin...I agree 100%.



    HOFFPAUIR!!!

  • Austin

    Will someone please explain to me why Marshall is the lefty coming out of the pen? I know he has the MLB experience, but I think he should be in AAA getting a start every 5 days, ready as a starting pitcher if there is an injury in the starting staff. I would rather have him start then Gallagher, assuming Lieber doesn't get the call I guess...however, Piggy has had a much better spring and is a better situational guy who is used to pitching in the pen. Marshall has not looked as sharp with only a little time to warm up and coming in for an inning. Am I crazy or do I make sense?

  • nick

    SORIANO!!!

  • Gibby

    Does any one agree that if Balt wanted Rich Hill then we should of traded him. Went with Marshall atleast untill the break and then go after a solid number 2 or 3 befor the deadline. i always thought the two pitchers were similar in ways and we didn't need both of them. but could be effective with just one of them.any ways McFailure is an idiot.Pretty ruff 2nd inning for mr baily. Come on Monday.

  • Neil

    DOME-AY with a 2-out RBI single to right.

  • jerljr

    I could live with it as long as his obp is good.



    Bummed about the BR deal falling through. Maybe Pie will take off this year and he can be our leadoff hitter.

  • JimK

    jerljr...If you don't know, you can click the link to the left of your post for Cubs Active roster, then click on Reed Johnson and get his stats, including career stats. He's a career .286 hitter, with a little speed and enough arm to play all the outfield positions. He won't usually be a lead off man.



    I'm wondering if there's any word on where Cintron may be headed.

  • jerljr

    Is russ really a lead-off hitter?????



    He only has 28 career stolen bases.



    What did he hit in Toronto?????

  • nick

    Looks like a winner to me!

  • Neil

    Today's lineup:



    Johnson - CF

    Soriano - LF

    Lee - 1B

    Ramirez - 3B

    Fukudome - RF

    Ward - DH

    DeRosa - 2B

    Cedeno - SS

    Blanco - C



    Cory Bailey - P

  • nick

    Man, I am ready for Monday, I hate it when weekends go fast, but I hope this one flies by.

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