As I watch the Cubs this spring, I get asked a lot about Alfonso Soriano and what he means to the team. I think he's very important to this team, but I don't believe the 2010 season is going to rise or fall based on Soriano's performance alone. We're probably not going to see the career numbers he was able to post with the Rangers and in his one season in Washington, but I do believe he'll be much better than he was last year. Hopefully, Xavier Nady heals from his arm injury and is able to be effective. Then, you might see a rotation in the outfield to give Soriano some time off so his knee doesn't act up again and Kosuke gets some time off against tough left-handed starters.
Bob
Today's game has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled. We'll let you know if we add a game on WGN-TV.
One thing you quickly notice from being around the Cubs is their acceptance of the fact that last year didn't go as planned and the determination to return to winning form. You can really sense the sense of purpose when you're around these guys.
Maybe being the hunters instead of the hunted will help. We'll see when we get started today.
Bob
Spring training greetings on a mild, partly cloudy day in Mesa. Rain is expected tomorrow, but hopefully we'll get in Round 2 of Cubs-Sox from Glendale. Today at HoHoKam, it's Carlos Silva's Cubs debut as he faces Daniel Hudson. Still waiting for the MRI results on Angel Guzman's shoulder, but the Cubs are not optimistic. So, there will be another opening in the bullpen to be won out of camp. Also, Xavier Nady's Cubs debut has been pushed back. He was supposed to DH tomorrow, but the Cubs are remaining cautious as he returns from Tommy John surgery. Lou didn't seem too concerned about Nady's situation. Alfonso Soriano makes his spring debut today. Catch it all on WGN and WGN America at 2 central.
Len
*The Cubs have batted .412 (28-for-68) in their first two spring training games.
*Tyler Colvin is 5-for-6 with 3 doubles and a home run.
*Carlos Zambrano threw two perfect innings in yesterday's game.
*Carlos Silva starts against Daniel Hudson today.
*Tomorrow's Cub game at the Sox in Glendale is on WGN-TV again at 2pm Chicago time.
Just a reminder that baseball is back on WGN this weekend. Saturday & Sunday, it's the Cubs and the White Sox. We're live from Mesa with Len & Bob at 2p on Saturday, then our dynamic duo is back on the air at 2pm on Sunday from the Sox new spring training home at Camelback Ranch in Glendale. We look forward to sharing the weekend with you!
We're just a few days away from our 2010 WGN Cubs Opener from the Cactus League. In fact, we'll have 2 games this weekend, both against the White Sox. Bob and I and our great crew are excited to get back to work. If you'd like to submit some questions for us, we may use them on the air this weekend and later in March when we have a free moment or two. Feel free to post your questions (please make your questions short...if they're too long, we won't have time to get through them on the air) and we'll grab a few during the spring.
Len
