SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- I lost the signal on MLB AtBat's audio version of today's Cubs/Dodgers game not long after crossing the Arizona/New Mexico border.
That might have been a blessing, as the Cubs were hardly there in their 5-0 loss to the Dodgers.
Remember last spring when Matt Garza said he couldn't warm up properly in the dry air of the Arizona spring and had a horrible spring training (9.88 ERA in five appearances)? He looks headed in that direction again, or maybe even worse -- Garza now has a 16.20 ERA in two spring starts.
Let's put it this way. If this is the way he prepares for as good a year as he had in 2011, I'll take it.
A couple of Cubs that have no chance of making the major league roster (Ryan Searle and Andrew McKirahan) pitched in Sunday's game. Perhaps as the week goes on, management will actually put people in games that will pitch this year, rather than just have fill-ins take up space.
There was one good thing today -- Jeff Beliveau, who had looked awful in his first two outings, was outstanding, striking out five of the seven batters he faced. I know many people here thought he might have a chance to make the bullpen as a situational lefty, and he sure helped his cause Sunday afternoon. It'll be worth seeing him throw a couple more times after this, anyway.
I'm watching MLB Network's replay of the game as I'm writing this. I shouldn't be bothering -- they don't look any better on the TV replay as they sounded on the audio with Mick Gillispie going solo.
Monday, Paul Maholm will make his spring debut for the Cubs as they face the Reds at Mesa; Cincinnati goes with Bronson Arroyo. We'll also get to see former Cub Sean Marshall throw for the Reds; I'd expect him to get a warm reception, at least until he pitches. I'll report from HoHoKam Park after the game.