Spring Training Game Thirty-Two: Cubs (14-15-2) vs. Mariners (13-15-3)
Game Time – 2:05pm C.T. TV: WGN TV, MLB.TV – Radio: 720 WGN, Gameday Audio on MLB.com, XM Radio Channel 183
Location – Cashman Field, Las Vegas
Ryan Dempster (2-1, 5.23/1.45) vs. Jarrod Washburn (2-1, 2.42/1.25)
This is it…. After today, every game counts. Lou Piniella’s crew will be the visiting team today at Cashman Field as the Cubs conclude their 32-game exhibition season against the Mariners. Ryan Dempster started the spring very strong and a bookend performance today would be more than welcome.
It does not matter if the Cubs win or lose today, it will be how they play the game….and leaving for Chicago healthy and ready for the season. Lou Piniella will reportedly empty his bullpen once Ryan Dempster’s work is complete. The Cubs skipper still has one more decision to make. Will it be Sean Marshall or Carmen Pignatiello? Pignatiello has earned it but Marshall has senority.
Today could also be Matt Murton’s last game in a Cubs’ uniform. Jim Hendry is trying to move him….although he did admit to Bruce Levine on Saturday morning, having Murton in Iowa would be a bonus in the event of injury. The fan favorite might be with a new organization soon.
After today’s finale, the Cubs will leave for Chicago. Sunday is a scheduled off day but they will workout at Wrigley in preparation for Monday’s opener.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball….