North vs. South For The First Time In 2012

Spring training is the time for opportunity, development, change and today is the chance for rekindling of rivals.  The North Siders are prepared to take on their cross-town rivals for the first time in 2012.  The game will take place in the afternoon Arizona heat and will pit several regulars against each other in the two clubs first game of significance if there is one in spring training.  The Cubs are slated to send Travis Wood to the rubber followed by Randy Wells and Rodrigo Lopez. Back in the lineup today for the Cubs after a strong performance last time out, Alfonso Soriano will step into the batters’ box first for the Cubs.  Pitching for the White Sox will be Chris Sale. 

The lineup he will face is:

1. Alfonso Soriano, DH

 

2. Darwin Barney, 2B 

3. Jeff Baker, RF 

4. Bryan LaHair, 1B 

5. Marlon Byrd, CF 

6. Joe Mather, LF 

7. Steve Clevenger, C 

8. Junior Lake, SS 

9. Edgar Gonzalez, 3B

With potentially 5 starters in today’s lineup there is no question that there is a little bit of intensity added to a very much less than meaningful spring training game.  Now it is time for the game to being in less than 2 hours time and see how the pitching stacks up for the Cubs as well as the bats and see if they can come back to life for the North Siders.  A big portion of today’s viewing should be given to see the bat of Alfonso Soriano and to determine is he is continuing to round into shape in time for early April.

Enjoy the game and Go Cubs Go.