Open Thread: Cubs vs. Padres, Monday 4/16, 7:05 CT

Unlike many years when the first night game at Wrigley Field is played in deplorably bad conditions, it should be not-so-awful at the ballpark tonight; temperatures should be in the upper 40's or low 50's at game time, with light winds and clear skies.

In the meantime, the six postponed games yesterday was the most on one day since April 12, 1997, when eight games were rained out. Today, games in Boston, Philadelphia and possibly Washington are again in jeopardy of weather delays or postponements.

Today's game will be the 338th game played under the lights at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have a .516 winning percentage in home night games (174-163), better than their percentage in home day games since the first night game was played (568-554, .506).

Today's Starting Pitchers

J. Marquis Cubs vs. C. Hensley Padres 0-1 W-L 0-2 3.27 ERA 9.00 4 SO 6 6 BB 5 0 HR 0 vs. SD -- vs. Cubs

Hensley has been pretty bad in his two starts so far this year... but in 2006, he had his one shining moment against the Cubs, throwing a two-hit shutout at Wrigley Field on May 14. The "vs. Cubs" link above says he hasn't faced any current Cubs, but that's not right -- Ronny Cedeno, Aramis Ramirez, Matt Murton, Jacque Jones and Michael Barrett all played in that game. Only Barrett got a hit off Hensley.

In five career games (four starts) vs. the Padres, Marquis is 2-2 with a 4.63 ERA, not too far off his career averages.

Here's today's MLB.com Mediacenter, for your convenience. I am not yet certain if the game will be on Extra Innings; if it is, it will be the Cub telecast as I believe the local SD channel is not available outside of San Diego (and I'm sure the Smooth Jazz Man will correct me if I'm wrong).

MLB.com Gameday

Discuss amongst yourselves.