Carlos Marmol's MRI is good news; Special Events at Wrigley Field; Jorge Soler Talks are Rumors

The Cubs had their only off-day of the spring today.  Their spring record currently stands at 8-12-1.

It was announced today that Stephen Strasburg will start for Washington Nationals on Opening Day April 5th vs. the Cubs at Wrigley Field.  It's expected that Cubs manager Dale Sveum will announce the Cubs Opening Day starter (probably either Ryan Dempster or Matt Garza) later this week.

Within a week, the back end of the Cubs' starting rotation should be clearer.  Dempster, Garza, and Paul Maholm are locks for the first three spots, while Jeff Samardzija seems likely to be awarded the fourth spot, which leaves the fifth spot open for either Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, Rodrigo Lopez, or Travis Wood.

Jed Hoyer says that the Cubs have no deal in place for Jorge Soler and that the talk is just simply rumors.

An MRI revealed no significant nerve damage to Carlos Marmol's right hand, since he had cramping during yesterday's game and was pulled to get an MRI as a precautionary measure.

New this season, the Cubs are going to hold Special Event Nights at Wrigley Field, including a "Playing the Field" singles night with Cubs "Singles Night" Tees to let other singles know you're ready to mingle.  This should certainly be interesting, but you've got to give the Ricketts family credit for trying new promotions.  The other special event nights can be found here.

Wednesday, July 18 is 2012 Singles Night at Wrigley Field, one of the Special Events this season

 Only 15 more days until Opening Day!