Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. White Sox - 03/27/09

Spring Training Game Thirty-One: Cubs (16-13) vs. White Sox (12-15)
Game Time - 3:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: WGN TV - Radio: XM Channel 178
Location - HoHoKam Park, Mesa

Carlos Zambrano (2-1, 3.38/0.88) vs. Clayton Richard (1-1, 5.06/1.50)

Countdown to Opening Day...10 days. It's the Cubs versus the White Sox for the fifth and final time in the Cactus League...the series is tied 2-2. The next meeting between the Cubs and Sox will be June 16-18, a weekday series for the first time in the history of the Crosstown Classic, at Wrigley Field.

Kosuke Fukudome is expected to make his spring debut with the Cubs today. Fukudome faced his teammates back on March 12 at HoHoKam when Team Japan defeated Carlos Zambrano and the Cubs. Lou Piniella has repeatedly stated that Fukudome will hit second against right-handed pitching.

The battle for the closer's role is expected to come to an end by Sunday. Lou Piniella told the media on Thursday that he would announce his decision this weekend. Carlos Marmol is expected to pitch again today. Marmol struggled with his command and took the loss on Thursday night after he entered the game with a one-run lead in the fifth.

Carlos Zambrano is scheduled to make his next to last start of the spring today. Zambrano is coming off a solid outing against the Mariners last Sunday.

In his first four starts of the spring, Zambrano has allowed six runs, all earned, on 11 hits in 16 innings. Zambrano has served up only one home run and walked three while striking out 15 in 16 innings.

The White Sox will send Clayton Richard to the hill today for his seventh start in the Cactus League. The southpaw has allowed 15 runs, 12 earned, on 27 hits with five walks and seven strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings.

Spring Training or not...it's the Cubs against the White Sox!

Beginning with today's game against the White Sox, the CCO will feature game previews before each game throughout the season. Pitcher-hitter stats as well as where the game will be broadcast are staples of 'Talkin' Cubs Live.'

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....

ripsnorter

Thanks for the comments, Jim. I am rooting for Angel--he's got stuff! I am watching this bullpen numbers game with great interest, and I can't wait for the season to start.

Gotta love this site!

JimK

Rip.....What you didn't see in the box score is that Guzman broke three bats in his inning and that the 1 run--home run was a 92 mph fastball low and away that Anderson got very lucky on. The fastballs up were 94--95 and breaking lumber. He struck out 2 and walked none.

I'm still thinking that G goes North if he has a couple of strong innings before the Cubs break camp--or he gets traded. There's a reason why we now have three openings on our 40 man roster. Like the rest of us here, I'm occasionally wrong--but never in doubt. LOL

ripsnorter

Just checked the box score, and was dismayed that Guzman gave up a two run dinger to (gag!) Brian Anderson of the Sox. So long, Angel. I was rooting for you, but you pitched yourself off of the roster.

Chad Fox, I hope you enjoy Des Moines, because that is where you are headed. I rooted for you, too, but you pitched yourself off of the roster. Maybe you'll be back in the summer.

Vizcaino: (double gag!) is pitching himself on the roster. Of course, it ain't too hard if all you have to do is keep the ERA under 9.00 (because you've got the big contract).

Let's get this season underway! I'm ready!

JimK

Speaking of things that matter, I'm thinking days: Nine, eight, seven ......

Speaking of closers, I'm thinking it will be Kevin Gregg. That would be a trip from the outhouse to the penthouse in more than a few eyes.

JimK

We're playing well today. Soriano gave us a hop that made a difference. Z did not disappoint. Lee showed some bat speed. My man Guzman made several good pitches (and one bad one). I hope he gets another inning.

Neil

Jim..more inconsistency from Guzman, that has been Piniella's biggest problem with him

Matt Haggard

I wonder what Sully really thinks, haha

Neil

Lee and Bradley could give Ramirez more RBI opportunities...like everyone else, I think Lou will move Lee if he struggles when the season starts.

Matt Haggard

I really don't like Lee, Bradley, Rami..

Why is our best hitter hitting fifth behind a declining douple play threat and the iffy (depending on health) Milton Bradley?

Jim C (Tinley Park)

Matt:

You are right, that was catchable!

Matt Haggard

I know it was really high..but Kosuke looked silly as hell there. Hoping that aint a sign to come..

Matt Haggard

Just got in. Missed all the fun.

Hell of a grab by Soriano there huh. Wow.

I'm digging Ronny on TV. MLB.TV now comes with a radio/tv synch.

So I plan to watch a ton of games with Pat and Ron calling the action. This is like a preview!

And its always good to spank the Sox too!