UPDATE:
Well, the Shark surpassed my wildest imagination, going 8 man-sized innings and spitting the image of a “true No.1.” Castro was on point and Rizzo not far behind, with Wellington throwing his name into the core player discussion. #HeresTheBeef indeed…
Surpassing my imagination in the opposite direction, David DeJesus cast a vote for the spring-training-don’t-mean-sh*t party, Brent Lillibridge was universally hated on Twitter and Carlos Marmol…oh, Carlos Marmol. There will be more on you later…
At long last the winter of our discontent is over and, as a loyal Cubs fan, so begins the summer of my discontent. The first game is at PNC Park in Pittsburg, let’s take a quick look at the things I would like to see as the team takes the field to start the 2013 season.
On the Mound
Starting the year off will be Jeff Samardzija, from whom big things are expected. Ideally he goes 6 string innings, maybe 6 1/3. Wherever 90-95 pitches takes him, with, oh say, 8K’s, 2BB, 2 hits and 1ER. Marmol comes on for a 1-2-3 ninth inning.
At the Plate
Rizzo and Castro are both 2-4 with extra base hits and a walk each, DeJesus gets on base 4 times and scores 3 runs and Wellington Castillo goes deep.
In the Field
No errors, at least one spectacular play from Starlin and Castillo throws out two of three attempted base stealers. Soriano starts off the year with an outfield assist.
Final Score
Cubs 7 – Pirates 2
