Another spring loss for the Cubs, this time at the hands of last year's dream killer, the Arizona Diamondbacks, who won 5-4.
Show his trademark passion, Piniella's post-game comments made it clear he doesn't like losing. Spring or not, Sweet Lou is not happy with the Cubs losing. Look for the manager to start working the games in a more regular season fashion in the coming few weeks. It's a good idea, especially with the cold weather in Chicago to start the season, that the Cubs regulars get solid work together and Piniella indicated he will string some "good pitching" together to get the Cubs some wins.
The good news was that ace pitcher Zambrano pitched 3 innings, surrendering only 1 hit, 1 walk and notching 3 strikeouts. Rich Hill had a similarly good outing, giving up a run over 3 innings. Hill had a troubling 3 walks and only 1 strikeout, but worked through it. The 8th inning and beyond was not so rosy as Campusano and Lahey combined for 3 hits, 4 runs (3 earned) and 2 walks.
Of the projected regulars, Fontenot added another hit and Big Z put one over the fence in his one at bat. Pie went 0 for 4, but had a diving catch in the field and doubled a runner of second base.
It looks to me like Pie has the edge in CF unless Fuld shows some really got action at the plate. The Cubs will not keep them both with the big league club.
As far the walking wounded, Ramirez was pushed back until Friday, Soriano will now miss at least a week and DeRosa is now pushed back until mid-week. DeRosa sounded upbeat on the radio earlier this week (though pining for a quick return to the warm climes in Mesa) and didn't feel the time missed would have a huge impact on his preparation. DeRosa told the AM1000 afternoon radio hosts that he felt 50 at bats was sufficient for veteran players to feel comfortable going into the regular season.
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