Cubs Beat the Rockies; Dempster Named Opening Day Starter; Spring Roster At 40

The Cubs beat the Colorado Rockies, 10-8 in Scottsdale.  Jeff Samardzija gave up 10 hits and 7 runs during 4 innings pitched and gets the win, although his ERA went from 2.70 to 6.43.  Casey Coleman allowed no earned runs in three innings.  Geovany Soto was 3 for 3 and hit two home runs and 5 RBIs.  Bryan LaHair was also 3 for 3.  Marlon Byrd was 2 for 3.

Geovany Soto was 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs in a 10-8 win vs. the Rockies today (AP photo)

The Cubs optioned Anthony Rizzo and Adrian Cardenas to Triple-A Iowa today.  They also sent Brett Jackson, Jay Jackson, Jim Adduci, and Michael Brenly to minor league camp today.  The spring roster now stands at 40 players.

Brett Jackson was sent to the Cubs' minor-league camp on Friday. (photo from US Presswire)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum announced that Ryan Dempster will be the Opening Day starter.  This will be Dempster's 2nd consecutive year as the Cubs' Opening Day starter and his 4th career Opening Day start.

Matt Garza will be the Cubs' #2 starter and Paul Maholm will be 5th starter.  Dale Sveum won't name starters #3 and #4 until Wednesday, March 28th.  The candidates for spots #3 and #4 are Randy Wells, Chris Volstad, Jeff Samardzija, and Rodrigo Lopez.

The new rooftop building owner of the former Lakeview Baseball Club building is debating whether or not to get rid of the Eamus Catuli and numbers signs and is looking to Cubs fans for their input.

Travis Wood will start tomorrow for the Cubs-Padres game, which will be televised on WGN-TV at 3:05pm CST.  Randy Wells, who has not walked a batter or given up a run over 5 2/3 innings in two Cactus League games, will follow Wood.  Meanwhile, Chris Volstad will pitch in a Minor League game at Fitch Park on Saturday.

Only 13 more days until Opening Day!