Alfonso Soriano is expected to be activated for today's game and the corresponding roster move -- not official at the time I am writing this, but likely -- should be Matt Murton's return to Iowa. Many bytes have been spilled at this site discussing where Soriano should bat, but regardless of how the rest of us feel, Lou says he'll lead off.
This is now the fifth time in the last two weeks that the Cubs have played a day game following a night game. I'm exhausted following this. I imagine the players might be worn down a little after last night, too. With Z on the mound today, a series win, which the Cubs could use, seems very possible.
If you have not yet seen this inspirational story about a women's college baseball game in Oregon, which aired on local and national TV news programs this morning, it's well worth your time. (Hat tip to Jesse from the SBN Twins site TwinkieTown for the link.
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With the goofy schedule this year, Z, like Ryan Dempster last night, has already faced the Brewers -- on Opening Day, when he shut them out for six innings in a game the Cubs eventually lost in extras. Prince Fielder hits him pretty well -- .333/.448/.625 with 4 doubles and a HR -- but he handles the rest of the Milwaukee club pretty well. He is 9-8, 3.99 vs. Milwaukee lifetime in 21 appearances (20 starts).
I had not remembered this, but Gallardo was the starting pitcher for the Brewers in perhaps the signature game of the 2007 season for the Cubs, the Aramis Ramirez walkoff game. He pitched six innings and allowed two runs. It's the only time he's faced the Cubs in his career. He started this year on the DL, but has pitched well in his two starts since returning.
Today's game is on WGN, also on cable in Wisconsin on FSN, and at the MLB.com Mediacenter.
MLB.com Gameday (2007 version)
MLB.com Gameday (2008 version)
Baseball-reference.com game preview
Today's overflow comment thread will post at 2:45 pm CT.
Discuss amongst yourselves.