Spring Training Game Eight: Cubs (3-3-1) vs. Padres (4-3)
Game Time – 2:05pm C.T. – XM Radio Channel 177
Location – Peoria Sports Park, Peoria
Wade Miller (0-0, 4.50) vs. Greg Maddux (0-0, 0.00)
Greg Maddux is scheduled to start today’s game against his former team for the first time since the 2003 NLDS. Maddux pitched 2 innings in his first start of the spring, did not allow a run, struck out 3 and walked 2. Wade Miller pitched well in his first outing of the spring last Saturday against the A’s and allowed 1 run on 2 hits and struck out 2 in his 2 innings of work. Kerry Wood is also scheduled to pitch today. Lou Piniella mentioned on Wednesday the Cubs are likely to start the season with 11 pitchers instead of 12 giving a temporary roster spot to another position player. Ryan Theriot was unofficially given a roster spot according to a report from the Chicago Tribune, so the battle should be between Angel Pagan, Felix Pie and Ronny Cedeno for the last two spots if the Cubs indeed start the season with just 11 pitchers. The next couple of weeks will add clarity to the few remaining roster spots with the first cuts of the spring expected after Friday’s split squad games against the Rangers and Padres.
Wade Miller is battling with Mark Prior for the 5th spot in the rotation and according to a report in the Tribune he is the early favorite to win the spot. Miller said he will have to explore his options if he is not in the rotation because pitching out of the bullpen is not an option. Jim Hendry said he “likely would accommodate Miller if he asks for a trade.”
A little about “Talkin’ Cubs Live”…. From time to time during the exhibition season the CCO will provide the Faithful an “open forum” to talk about the games or any topic relating to the Cubs. Once the season starts, “Talkin’ Cubs Live” will preview each game as well as provide an “open forum” for game discussion or any Cubs topic. All that is required to participate is a valid email address and once you are approved your comments will display immediately and your opinions will become a part of the discussion. The preview will typically be “live” two hours before each game with the first post usually the starting lineup.
With today being a spring training game there might be other topics you would like to discuss. Felix Pie’s hot start, Matt Murton’s .471 OBP, Michael Barrett’s .538 OBP or anything from the first week of games….there are only 24 days left until the Cubs kickoff the season against the Reds….
Let’s talk Cubbies baseball….