Pregame Chatter: Cubs @ Giants, Arrieta on the Hill, Candelario Starting, National TV

Yesterday was one of those days that was just amazing. I woke up early, posted a couple articles, played with my two kids for a few minutes and kissed them goodbye (I have two amazing boys ages two and four), kissed my wife as she headed out the door, drove to catch the Cubs play a Cactus League game against the Rangers, stayed for a bonus game and watched Cubs prospects take on Rangers prospects in the futures minor league game, and finally came home and saw my wife and kids again. It was really a perfect day for a Cubs fan and family man and for that I feel fortunate and grateful. I also feel thankful for all of you Cubs fans that are the most passionate and incredible fans in the world.

Ok, enough of the mushy stuff and on to the Cubs. They will take on the Giants today in Scottsdale at 6:05 CDT in a game that is set to be televised on ESPN.

This game features an intriguing lineup with Jeimer Candelario, the Cubs surging young prospect we’ve mentioned a few times this spring (here and here), in at third base and Kris Bryant in left field. I can really appreciate what Joe is doing here, giving Jeimer a chance to play in a lineup with the regular season starters and see how he handles himself. My guess is that this is going to be a really fun game to watch. Honestly, if this wasn’t spring training there’d be a huge buzz around this one, pitting two top notch pitchers against two teams riding big expectations this season. Don’t miss it.

Jake Arrieta (R) @ Giants – Madison Bumgarner (L)
1. Dexter Fowler (S) CF
2. Jason Heyward (L) RF
3. Kris Bryant (R) LF
4. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
5. Ben Zobrist (S) 2B
6. Miguel Montero (L) C
7. Addison Russell (R) SS
8. Jeimer Candelario (S) 3B
9. Jake Arrieta (R) P