CUBS (3-3) @ Pirates (3-3)
Mon. April 7, 12:35 p.m. CT
TV: WGN
Radio: WGN 720 AM
Probables:
CUBS: LHP Ted Lilly (0-0, 7.71 ERA)
PIT: LHP Tom Gorzelanny (0-0, 4.50 ERA)
Projected Lineup:
- Soriano, LF
- Johnson, CF
- Lee, 1B
- Ramirez, 3B
- Fukudome, RF
- DeRosa, 2B
- Soto, C
- Cedeno, SS
- Lilly, P
Preview
The Cubs hit the road for the first time in the 2008 campaign, looking to win three in a row after wins on Saturday and Sunday against the Astros at Wrigley.
Cubs starter Ted Lilly will try to get off to a better start in this game against the Bucs. In his first start of the season last Wednesday against the Brewers, Lilly gave up a first-pitch homerun to Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks.
First baseman Derrek Lee looks to continue his hot streak, as does right fielder Koskue Fukudome. Lee hit hit his third homerun of the season on Sunday, and Fukudome is 8-for-19 (.421 BA; .542 OBP) to start the season.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he’d rest new Cubs closer Kerry Wood on Monday. Wood picked up his third save on Sunday with a 1-2-3 ninth inning against the Astros.
Catcher Geovany Soto is back in the lineup after he was given the day off Sunday. Reserve catcher Henry Blanco took his place in the lineup…Shortstop Ryan Theriot will have Monday off; reserve infielder Ronny Cedeno will start at short. Cedeno has had the chance to pinch-hit a few times this season, and he’s delivered a few clutch hits….Reed Johnson will make his third consecutive start in center field. Johsnon, who was signed by the Cubs after the Blue Jays cut him following Spring Training, has been a solid pick-up. Johnson has replaced a slumping Felix Pie in center the past few games, but last week, Piniella said the move was purely based on pitching match-ups.
The weather forecast in the Steel City looks promising. Game-time temperature is expected to be around 60 degrees under fair skies with no chance of rain.
Posted by danbiederman 
Posted by danbiederman 
