Pregame Chatter: Split Squad Action – Cubs v Sox/Dodgers

The first of two split squad games today will feature the Cubs taking on the White Sox at Sloan Park at 2:05 CST. Playing the White Sox always tends to be interesting, even when it’s spring training. Of course, it’s also important to remember that it’s spring training and, no matter how much we want to crush the White Sox, this game doesn’t matter.

The second game today is all the way on the west side of town in Glendale at Camelback Ranch against the Dodgers at 8:05 CST. Both games will be broadcast on MLB.TV with the White Sox game being carried locally on WGN. I’ll be going to the White Sox game with my wife today and since the game is on TV I don’t plan on posting any video updates on my Twitter account.

Starting Lineups:

Jason Hammel (R) vs White Sox – Erik Johnson (R)
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Jason Heyward (L) RF
3. Jeimer Candelario (S) 3B
4. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
5. John Andreoli (R) LF
6. Tim Federowicz (R) C
7. David Ross (R) DH
8. Kristopher Negron (R) SS
9. Munenori Kawasaki (R) 2B

Trevor Cahill (R) @ Dodgers – Alex Wood (L)
1. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
2. Addison Russell (R) SS
3. Kris Bryant (R) 3B
4. Miguel Montero (L) DH
5. Jorge Soler (R) LF
6. Javier Baez (R) 1B
7. Willson Contreras (R) C
8. Albert Almora (R) CF
9. Juan Perez  (R) RF

Of note, Joe Maddon has Javier Baez in at first base in tonight’s lineup against the Dodgers. As reported by Carrie Muskat of MLB.com, Baez played first base last Friday in the Cubs 3-0 win against the angels. According to Cubs skipper, Joe Maddon:

“My biggest concern right now with him is that he gets as much work in at a variety of positions as he can and just give him experience now. There’s nothing on the line, he can make mistakes and we can talk about it. He’s a really good athlete and we can settle into one, maybe two positions. Right now, this helps us fit him in and it’s good for him.”

Should be a funtastic day! That’s all for now. See you at Sloan Park!