Spring Training Game Thirteen: Cubs (4-8) vs. Indians (4-7)
Game Time – 2:05pm CST
Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com webcast
Location – HoHoKam Park, Mesa
Randy Wells (1-0, 0.00/1.20) vs. Justin Masterson (0-1, 5.40/1.60)
Thursday is Ron Santo Day at HoHoKam Park. The Cubs will pay tribute to Santo in pre-game ceremonies. Santo’s family will be on hand and a commemorative plaque will be affixed to the wall outside the radio booth.
The Cubs will try to end their two-game losing streak behind Randy Wells this afternoon. After showing a lot of improvement, Q’s crew has taken a couple of steps back over the last two days.
Tyler Colvin is slated to make his second start of the spring at first base today. The Cubs are very concerned about his defense in the outfield. They want him to put in as much time in the outfield as he has at first base.
XM Radio will be at HoHoKam Park this afternoon. Casey Stern and Jim Bowden will talk all things Cubs beginning at 1:00pm CST on XM 175 and Sirius 210.
And the injury bug has hit a couple of Mike Quade’s pitchers … Randy Wells has not done anything this spring but improve his stock … and chances to make the Cubs’ Opening Day rotation. Wells will make his second start, third appearance, of the spring this afternoon.
Wells has not allowed an earned run in five innings (one unearned run on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts) and has thrown strikes. Wells has regained some of his confidence that made him so successful in his rookie year.
Justin Masterson will make his third start of the spring. Masterson has allowed four runs, three earned, on four hits in five innings. Masterson has issued four walks, hit two batters and served up a home run to go along with three strikeouts. Masterson is battling for a spot in the Tribe’s rotation.
News and Notes
On the injury front, the reason John Grabow has only pitched in one Spring Training game is he has a sore left shoulder. Bruce Levine described Grabow’s injury as being a little discomfort, while Carrie Muskat reported Grabow has tightness in his left shoulder.
Both reports indicated, Grabow’s injury is nothing serious. Grabow is expected to return to game action next week. The southpaw has been working on the side with Mark Riggins.
Todd Wellemeyer is dealing with a sore right hip. Wellemeyer has dealt with the injury for a couple of years.
Cubs vs. Sox
The first Cubs-White Sox game of the year is Friday in Glendale. Ryan Dempster will face Mark Buehrle … at least to start the game. Mike Quade released the lineup for the exhibition game against the Sox.
Cubs Lineup vs. White Sox – 3/11/11
Jeff Baker – 2B
Starlin Castro – SS
Marlon Byrd – CF
Geovany Soto – C
Tyler Colvin – RF
Alfonso Soriano – LF
Carlos Pena – 1B
Luis Montanez – DH
Marquez Smith – 3B
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