Spring Training Game Twenty: Cubs (ss) (9-10) vs. Angels (ss) (8-9)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: Comcast SportsNet – Radio: Cubs.com
- Location – Cubs Park, Mesa
Edwin Jackson (0-2, 7.20, 1.40) vs. Joe Blanton (1-1, 7.59, 1.31)
Spring Training Game Twenty-One: Cubs (ss) (9-10) vs. Athletics (8-9)
- Game Time – 3:05pm CDT
- Coverage – TV: None – Radio: Cubs.com, MLB.com
- Location – Phoenix Municipal Stadium, Phoenix
James McDonald (0-0, 12.71, 2.47) vs. Scott Kazmir (0-0, 0.00, 0.57)
The Cubs return to the valley today for the last of three straight split squad days. Half of the Cubs roster will host half of the Angels’ roster at Cubs Park while the other half will make the short trip to Phoenix to take on the A’s.
This afternoon the Cubs have two pitchers in need of good outings. Edwin Jackson hasn’t exactly quieted his critics this spring. And while numbers are not important in the Cactus League, Jackson could use a good outing today. In Phoenix, James McDonald is pitching to stay in the mix for the fifth spot in the Cubs’ rotation. Maybe McDonald will put his last outing behind him this afternoon and in the process pick-up his first strikeout of the spring.
Len Kasper and Jim Deshaies will have the call on Comcast SportsNet while Mick Gillispie has the radio broadcast on Cubs.com. Wayne Randazzo, the Cougars’ play-by-play man, is in Arizona and will be in Phoenix Municipal Stadium this afternoon. Randazzo will provide Gillispie with updates on the Cubs and A’s game.
The third straight split squad day all begins with Edwin Jackson and James McDonald …
Spring Training Game Twenty: Cubs (ss) (9-10) vs. Angels (ss) (8-9)
Edwin Jackson makes his third Cactus League start this afternoon. Jackson pitched in a minor league game last Wednesday and threw 74 pitches over five innings. Jackson allowed two unearned runs on two hits with no walks and four strikeouts.
Jackson has struggled in Cactus League action and while it is just Spring Training, Jackson could use a good outing this afternoon. Jackson has allowed four runs on seven hits with no walks and five strikeouts in five innings (two starts) in the Cactus League.
Joe Blanton moved to the third base side of the pitching rubber in his last spring outing and the result was five innings of one-hit ball against the Rangers. Blanton makes his fourth appearance, third start, of the spring this afternoon. Blanton has allowed nine runs on 12 hits with two walks and nine strikeouts in 10 2/3 innings.
Hector Santiago is starting the Angels other game this afternoon against the Giants in Tempe.
Spring Training Game Twenty-One: Cubs (ss) (9-10) vs. Athletics (8-9)
James McDonald has been effective in one of his three appearances in the Cactus League and, like Edwin Jackson, he is in need of a good outing this afternoon. McDonald struggled with his command in his last start in Peoria against the Mariners. McDonald could not throw strikes and lasted just 2 2/3 innings. McDonald allowed two runs on two hits with five walks and no strikeouts. McDonald hit a batter and threw 64 pitches, 26 for strikes.
In three appearances, two starts, in the Cactus League, James McDonald has allowed eight runs on six hits with eight walks and no strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.
Scott Kazmir has been very good so far this spring. Kazmir makes his third start today after allowing no runs on three hits with a walk and five strikeouts in seven innings (two starts). Kazmir will begin the season in the A’s rotation after resurrecting his career last season with the Indians.
Let’s Talk Cubs Baseball …