After some more rain in Mesa yesterday, the Cubs were able to get their game in against the Brewers starting about 45 minutes late. Seriously, the weather has been a lot better in Florida this year. Where are the Naples people now?
Randy Wells started and pitched very well, facing the minimum in 3 innings of work giving up only one hit (that runner was quickly picked off base). Marmol came in for the 4th inning, and struck out the side. Unfortunately, he also gave up 2 runs.
Then the Cubs trotted out four other pitchers who won't be on the roster, and then lost the game.
The Brewers won the game 5-3 with a 2 run homer in the top of the ninth.
Offensively, Theriot had 2 more hits, Castro had a hit (but had one TOOTBLAN), and DLee hit a solo shot in the third inning. The Brewers starter, Jeff Suppan was hit rather hard by the Cubs, as usual, as he worked 3 innings.
This was the first time the Cubs faced a division rival this season. The Brewers potentially could be good this year...but a lot of things will have to go their way. The offense will not be any problem, and Fat Fielder looks to be pounding the ball, as usual. I watch part of their game on Monday as well. Will their pitching staff be improved? Hard to say. They have pitchers that can be good, but at other times, not so much.
Today the Cubs will play the Giants at HoHoKam....Zambrano is slated to start and will likely go 3 innings like Wells did Tuesday. Lineups and any more information will be posted in the comments when the data is posted on Twitter by Carrie Muskat.
Speaking of Muskat, she makes note that the Cubs lead the Cactus League in hitting...and (of course) attributes this to new hitting coach, Rudy Jaramillo. Blah. I've had a blog entry that I started about 3 weeks ago that is waiting to be finished about Jaramillo. I'll have to finish it for later this week. Thanks Carrie.
