Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Cubs win again!

Cubs win again. One more and that's a winning streak. I know it's just spring training, but we might as well enjoy it because winning streaks may be few and far between once the season starts. Here is what went down in Surprise:

 - Jeff Samardzija threw a three inning gem today! He gave up a bloop single, had three strikeouts, and didn't walk anybody. I know it's wrong, but I'm excited.

- Bryan LaHair got his first 2 hits of the spring today going 2-3 with two singles and an RBI. He did leave a couple runners on base, but it's a start.

- Darwin Barney continued his hot spring with another RBI double.

- Joe Mather had another hit and his team leading 3rd steal of the spring. I'm hearing that he doesn't have much of a shot to make the team, but if he keeps stealing bases (pinch runner) and plays solid defense what makes Campana or Sappelt any better? The ability to play CF is one edge they have on him, but Reed Johnson can play CF if needed. Mather gives the Cubs a power bat off the bench which is one thing Campana / Sappelt can't do.

- Sappelt got a chance to lead off today and went 0-3. Despite my mini-Mather rant, I hope Sappelt wins the 5th OF job because I think he has the most upside of the three.

- Raphel Solis pitched two innings without giving up an earned run. He wasn't as dominant as in the opener, but didn't hurt his chances of earning a bullpen spot either.

- 2 K's for Steve Clevenger. At least he's a good bunter.

- Speaking of bunting... Campana bunted home a run with a runner on 3rd and 1 out in the 6th. Old school baseball. Holy cow!

- Josh Vitters walked for the second game in a row. Who says he can't take a pitch? (besides everybody). In his next at-bat, Vitters came up with runners on the corners and no one out and worked an 8 pitch AB before striking out swinging. Disappointing, but at least it was a tough out.

- Brett Jackson RBI single in first AB. Trade Byrd! (kidding)

- Trey McNutt gave up a run in one inning of work and struggled to throw strikes (11 strikes, 13 balls). He did get a strikeout, but the control issue is concerning.

- Jeff Beliveau got rocked again. He came on in the 9th with a 4 run lead and gave three singles & two runs before retiring a batter. He got out of the jam without allowing any more runs, but it was lucky. Two of the three outs were on a rocket liner and deep fly out. Whew. Not impressed so far.





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