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SCOTTSDALE, Arizona -- The spring season's final split-squad day features some very unusual Cubs lineups, so let's get right to them.
Cubs lineup (vs Rockies):
Rizzo 1B, Szczur CF, Bryant 3B, Coghlan LF, Russell SS, Sweeney RF, Ross C, Arrieta P, Herrera 2B
If you are wondering why Anthony Rizzo is leading off, here's why:
#Cubs Rizzo says he asked to lead off. Don't be surprised if he tries to steal a base
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) March 28, 2015
Rockies lineup:
Descalso SS, Dickerson LF, Arenado 3B, Morneau 1B, McKenry C, McBride RF, Stubbs CF, Culberson 2B, Gray P
Cubs lineup (vs. Reds):
Fowler CF, Alcantara 3B, Soler RF, Castro SS, Lake LF, Castillo C, Olt 1B, Germen P, Baez 2B
Reds lineup:
Schumaker 2B, Byrd LF, Votto 1B, Frazier 3B, Bruce RF, Peña C, Boesch CF, DeJesus SS, Chapman P
You'll note the Cubs are batting the pitcher eighth in both games today. Here's some further info on that:
Maddon spoke to Alcantara and La Stella about pitcher batting 8th. Said not a reflection on their abilities, but starter batting 8th ...
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 28, 2015
Could happen often, with Lester probable exception
— Mark Gonzales (@MDGonzales) March 28, 2015
At Mesa, Jake Arrieta goes for the Cubs. Relievers on the list for Mesa: Drake Britton, Jason Motte, Hector Rondon, Zac Rosscup and Pedro Strop. Strop and Rondon both threw on Friday, so this will be the first time they'll pitch on consecutive days.
Jon Gray -- who many people here thought the Cubs should have chosen with their No. 1 pick in 2013 -- will start for the Rockies. He was taken one pick after Kris Bryant -- you'll note that the two will face each other today. I think that pick worked out pretty well for the Cubs. Gray will be followed by John Axford, Rafael Betancourt, Scott Oberg and Rex Brothers.
At Goodyear, it's all relievers. Gonzalez Germen will start for the Cubs. Other pitchers on the Cubs list for Goodyear: Francisley Bueno, Jorge De Leon, Felix Doubront and Joseph Ortiz.
For the Reds, closer Aroldis Chapman will start the game. Other Reds scheduled to pitch: Manny Parra, Tony Cingrani and Nate Adcock. Odd that they wouldn't have had Cingrani, usually a starter, start this game.
Today's game against the Rockies will be on WBBM radio 780 with Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer. The game against the Reds will be on MLB Audio via the Reds radio announcers. If you live in the Cincinnati area it's on WLW 700.
MLB.com Gameday for Cubs/Rockies
Here is the complete MLB.com Mediacenter for today.
Please note that during spring training, Gameday doesn't usually go pitch-by-pitch as it does during the regular season -- usually, it will update after each at-bat.
For spring-training games, we'll have a first-pitch thread at five minutes to game time and one overflow thread, 90 minutes after game time (because I know how you all like overflow threads!). For today, that will be 3 p.m. CT and 4:30 p.m. CT -- one of each to cover both games today. These threads will not post individually onto the front page; instead, you can find links to them in the box marked "Chicago Cubs Game Threads" at the bottom of the front page. They will also appear in this StoryStream™. The pitcher box and regular-season stats will return on Opening Day.
Discuss amongst yourselves.