Jeff Samardzija leads Cubs to 3-1 win over Pirates to open the 2013 season

The Cubs opened their 2013 season by winning 3-1 against the Pirates in Pittsburgh.  Jeff Samardzija had an excellent start to the season by allowing just two hits and walking just one batter and striking out nine over eight shutout innings pitched.  This was the Shark's first career Opening Day start.

Cubs players lined up on the field before taking on the Pirates in Pittsburgh on Opening Day (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

Maybe it was good luck that the pack of baseball cards I picked up this morning had this card in it:

My lucky baseball card on Opening Day!

Anyway back to the game: Anthony Rizzo connected with the first pitch that was thrown to him and gave the Cubs an early 2-0 lead in the first inning with a 438-foot home run to center field.

The Cubs held the lead the entire game, even after Dale Sveum sent in Carlos Marmol in the ninth inning and he allowed a run to score before being pulled for lefty reliever James Russell.  Russell got the second out and was followed by Kyuji Fujikawa, who made his MLB debut and threw two pitches to get the final out and the save.  Phew! 

In other Cubs news, second baseman Darwin Barney was placed on the 15-day disabled list (retroactive to Sunday) after suffering a deep laceration on his left kneecap during the exhibition game against the Astros on Saturday.  "I thought by sliding, I'd be protecting myself," Barney said. "There's a concrete corner and slab on the bottom [of the wall].  I ran right into that.  When I pulled my pant leg up, i was pretty freaked out, and didn't have any idea [the cut] was there."

Barney also added, "You spend your whole offseason thinking about today [Opening Day] -- when you're in the gym, when you're pushing yourself.  We had a good spring as a club.  We did a lot of things positively.  It's unfortunate, but the good thing is we have guys who can fill in like Lillibridge and Gonzalez, who are good players."  Get well soon, Darwin!

Infielder Alberto Gonzalez was added to the 40-man roster and Brent Lillibridge played second base in today's season opener.  The Cubs also officially added pitcher Scott Baker to the 60-day disabled list for a strained right elbow and starting pitcher Matt Garza (strained lat) and third baseman Ian Stewart (sore left quad) to the 15-day disabled list.

The Cubs optioned outfielder Brett Jackson to Triple-A Iowa and designated right-handed pitcher Robert Whitenack for assignment earlier today.

Tomorrow the Cubs have the day off (already!) before playing their first night game of the season against the Pirates on Wednesday at 6:05pm CT. 

Volstad strikes out six, but Cubs offense missing as they lose 3-0 to Astros in final night game

The Cubs lost 3-0 to the Houston Astros in the second to last game of the season, which was also the final night game of 2012 on Tuesday night.  I was at Wrigley to witness the non-eventful game, but was lucky enough to sit in the 2nd row behind the Cubs' bullpen.

Carlos Marmol warming up in the bullpen Tuesday night (photo by Karen Burchell)

It was pretty amazing to be watching the game right by James Russell, Shawn Camp, Carlos Marmol and the rest of the relief pitchers.  The highlight for us came in the 4th inning, when Alfonso Soriano's foul ball was hit to Andrew Lane, the Cubs bullpen catcher, who picked it up threw it to my friend, who had her one-year old baby with us at the game. 

Shawn Camp actually came over to us to tell us that he saw us on TV because we were holding the foul ball.  It was also my friend's first foul ball ever, which was perfect since it was also her birthday!

Glove, towels and Gatorade cooler in the Cubs bullpen (photo by Karen Burchell)

Anyway, back to the game.  Chris Volstad made his final start of the season and was impressive as he gave up two runs on five hits and struck out six batters, which was the most since his first start on April 9th, when he also struck out a half dozen.  Volstad said, "It did feel good to finish that way, just being myself.  I could've used a few more of those.  It felt good to have one that way, especially to end [the season] and go into the offseason with a positive."

Chris Volstad finished on a strong note, as he struck out six batters on Tuesday night (photo from cubs.com)

Too bad the Cubs couldn't get their offense going to back Volstad, as they only had four hits during the game, which came from Soriano, Castro (2) and Jackson. 

Today the Cubs will face off in their final game of the season against the Astros, who will play their final game as a NL Central team.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try for his seventh win of the season.  I will be at Wrigley for the finale and hope to sing "Go Cubs Go!" for one last time as this tough season comes to an end.

Starlin Castro with 4 RBIs as Cubs win 7-4 over Pirates; Albert Almora at Wrigley Field; 2013 schedule released

The Cubs won 7-4 over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first of a three-game series at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon.

Rookie Chris Rusin was the starting pitcher and earned his first career MLB win.  Rusin was impressive as he allowed two runs on four hits and struck out six batters and didn't walk any over five innings pitched.

Anthony Rizzo and Brett Jackson both returned to the lineup for Friday's game.  Rizzo had a two-run double and Jackson had an amazing sliding catch later in the game.  Jackson had to miss five games due to the bruised knee he got as a result of crashing into the centerfield fence while making an amazing catch in Pittsburgh.  Rizzo missed one game after colliding with the Astros' first baseman on Tuesday night in Houston.

Starlin Castro had an exceptional game as he was 2-for-4, including a homer and 4 RBIs.  Carlos Marmol earned his 20th save of the season.

Steve Clevenger and Carlos Marmol celebrate the Cubs' 7-4 win over the Pirates on Friday (photo from cubs.com)

Second baseman Darwin Barney's consecutive errorless game streak is now at 129 games.  Barney also increased his hitting streak to a career-high nine games.

In other Cubs news, 1st round pick Albert Almora took batting practice today as Cubs President Theo Epstein watched.  Top prospect Jorge Soler is expected to take batting practice before Saturday's game.

Albert Almora talks to Cubs President Theo Epstein during batting practice before Friday's game against the Pirates (photo from @Cubs on Twitter)

The Cubs' 2013 schedule was released this week and can be found here.  The Cubs will open their 2013 season on the road in Pittsburgh on Monday, April 1st, where they will play three games against the Pirates and then head to Atlanta to take on the Braves for three games before heading home to Wrigley Field for the home opener on Monday, April 8th against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Tomorrow, the Cubs and Pirates will play game two at 12:05pm CT.  Right-hander Jason Berken will make his first start since joining the Cubs when he was acquired off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles last Friday. 

Berken had a record of 5-6 with a 3.50 ERA at Triple-A Norfolk.  Tomorrow's spot would have been Jeff Samardzija's turn in the rotation, but he has since been shut down for the rest of the season since he reached his maximum innings since becoming a starter this season.

Cubs bounce back and win 12-2 over Pirates; Brett Jackson's extraordinary catch

The Cubs bounced back from being swept by the Washington Nationals by winning 12-2 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park Friday night.

Travis Wood started for the Cubs and ended his losing streak by allowing just one hit and striking out five batters and walking three over six scoreless innings.  The Pirates committed seven errors tonight.

Starlin Castro got his 500th and 501st career hits and became the 28th MLB player in history to make the accomplishment before turning 23 years old.  Castro was 3-for-5 in tonight's game.

Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano both scored against the Pirates Friday night (US Presswire photo)

However, there was a scary moment in the sixth inning when outfielder Brett Jackson crashed into the fence with his face after making an amazing catch on Andrew McCutchen's fly ball to end the inning. 

“That’s the type of player I am,” Jackson said.  “I’ve always been that way.  I’ll go through a wall for the team and that was a big moment for Travis (Wood) and for us.  We’d lost six in a row, and seven runs didn’t seem like it was enough at the time.  I don’t really have a second gear.  I’m going to go for those balls.  I’m sure people will tell me to take care of my body, but making that play was a little more important at the time.”  Gotta love BJax's ambition!

Cubs outfielder Brett Jackson's extraordinary catch in the sixth inning against the Pirates Friday night (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Thankfully Jackson was able to walk off the field and his x-rays were negative.  He does have a bruised and swollen knee, though.  Manager Dale Sveum tonight's big win was important for the team's “mental state,” and Jackson’s catch was one of the components.  “That was one heck of an effort, and at a very crucial time in the game,” he said.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play the second game of the three-game series at 6:05pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs before being shut down for the rest of the season since he's already pitched double the amount of innings since he was converted from a relief pitcher to a starter this season.

Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija will make his last start of the season Saturday before he will be shut down to protect his arm (US Presswire photo)

"It's going to be tough watching," the "Shark" said.  "It's not something I'm accustomed to.  I'm used to playing, and I'm used to playing all the time.  You have to respect what they're planning on doing, what their plans are for the organization and for the team.  This is the right move for the right reasons."

This means that the rotation will consist of Chris Volstad (the only starter left from opening week), Travis Wood, Justin Germano, Chris Rusin and Jason Berken, who was claimed on waivers from the Baltimore Orioles Friday.  It should be an interesting rest of the season and as much as it stings to say it, I think it will be a challenge for the Cubs to not lose 100 games.

David DeJesus continues to impress but Cubs lose 5-2 to Giants

The Cubs lost 5-2 to the San Francisco Giants in the second game of the three-game series Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

Justin Germano started for the Cubs and got off to a rough start as the Giants scored four runs in the first inning.  Germano allowed five runs on six hits while walking two batters and striking out two over five innings pitched.

David DeJesus hit a two-run homer in the third inning to put the Cubs on the board.  But his impressive game didn't stop there, as he also made an amazing sliding catch in the fifth inning when he grabbed Buster Posey's possible extra-base hit.

"I didn't even know I caught it, to be honest with you," DeJesus said.  "I slid and threw my glove out, and I was lifting my glove up and I didn't expect the ball to be in there.  I said, 'Wow, it's in there, this is pretty cool.'"

David DeJesus is congratulated by Darwin Barney after hitting his 2-run homer against the Giants on Saturday (Getty photo)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum is defnintely impressed with DeJesus' efforts and said, "He's the ultimate professional who leads by example, and hopefully people do watch and ask him a lot of questions, because he does a lot of things well."

The Cubs made their September callups, such as outfielders Tony Campana and Dave Sappelt, and infielder Adrian Cardenas, who all joined the team in Chicago today.

12 of the 29 players currently on the active roster either started the 2012 season at Triple-A Iowa or on another team's roster.  It definitely has been an interesting season, to say the least.

I was at today's game and took a lot of photos, below are some of the better ones:

The tarp coming off the field and the batting practice cage being set up before Saturday's game against the Giants (photo by Karen Burchell)

Adrian Cardenas and Jon Lovitz after the ceremonial first pitch (photo by Karen Burchell)

David DeJesus and Brett Jackson warm up before Saturday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Dave Sappelt gets a hug before Saturday's game (photo by Karen Burchell)

Justin Germano was tagged with the loss on Saturday against the Giants (photo by Karen Burchell)

It's that September time of the season, again (photo by Karen Burchell)

Darwin Barney and Anthony Rizzo chat as Jeff Beliveau warms up on Saturday (photo by Karen Burchell)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Giants will play the final and rubber game of the series at 1:20pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his fifth win of the season.

Brett Jackson with 3rd HR but Cubs fall 4-3 to Rockies on a sweltering Saturday at Wrigley Field

The Cubs lost 4-3 to the Colorado Rockies today in the second game of the three-game series.  Brooks Raley started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on five hits and walked three batters and struck out four over five innings pitched.

Brooks Raley started for the Cubs against the Rockies on Saturday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Pitcher Chris Rusin was optioned to Triple-A Iowa as the corresponding move when Raley was recalled before Saturday's game.  Rusin gave up just one hit over five innings against the Brewers last week, which happened to be an infield single that had deflected off his foot.  Rusin is expected to be called back up when rosters expand in a week.

Brett Jackson hit his third home run since being called up from Triple-A Iowa, which scored two runs in the fourth inning.  Today's loss was the team's 19th in their last 24 games.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Rockies will play the final game in the series at 1:20CT.  Chris Volstad will make the start for the Cubs and hopefully will finally get a win.

Cubs open 10-game homestand with 5-3 win over Rockies

The Cubs returned to Wrigley Field and beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3 this afternoon to start a three-game series and 10-game homestand.  Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed three runs over six hits and walked two batters and struck out seven over seven innings pitched.

Although Samardzija ended up with a no-decision, he said, "If you look at all of my starts this year, that's probably one of the more proud starts I can say that I had.  There's been times when I've had good stuff and it's gone smoothly.  To come out early and scuffle, really not have fastball command or my slider all game, to get through the seven innings felt really good.  Felt like a starting pitcher."

Alfonso Soriano, Wellington Castillo and Brett Jackson all hit homers and Joe Mather had the go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning.  Relief pitcher James Russell ended up with the win today.

Brett Jackson is congratulated by third base coach Pat Listach after hitting his homer against the Rockies on Friday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Relief pitcher James Russell earned the win on Friday against the Rockies (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, the Cubs selected right-handed pitcher Miguel Socolovich off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles.  Socolovich was optioned him to Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move catcher Blake Lalli was designated for assignment.

The Cubs also selected left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw off waivers from the San Diego Padres earlier this week.  Hinshaw is with the team, but hasn't appeared in a game with the Cubs yet.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Rockies will play the second game of the series at 12:05 CT.  Brooks Raley will start for the Cubs and try to earn his second win. 

David DeJesus and Bryan LaHair come through with homers, but Cubs lose 3-2 to Brewers

The Cubs lost 3-2 Wednesday afternoon to the Milwaukee Brewers in the final game of the three-game series and end up being swept by the Brew Crew.  They have now lost four games in a row and this is the team's 18th loss in their past 22 games.  The team is now on pace to lose 100 games this season.

The game got off to a good start when David DeJesus hit a home run on the first pitch thrown to him which put the Cubs on the board right off the bat.  There was a little scare when DeJesus and Brett Jackson collided while both were diving to catch a line drive ball in the bottom of the first inning, but thankfully, neither player was hurt.

David DeJesus is congratulated by Luis Valbuena after leading off Wednesday's game against the Brewers with a home run (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Outfielders David DeJesus and Brett Jackson collided in the first inning against the Brewers (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Bryan LaHair also hit a solo home run in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game, which came 49 days after his last home run during a game against the Braves.  LaHair's playing time has been drastically reduced since getting moved to right field when Anthony Rizzo was called up and then moved to the bench once Brett Jackson came up.  Even though his future with the Cubs is uncertain, LaHair said, "I’m trying to show people every day what I can do.  I go out every day and I work hard to get back on track.  I’m just trying to do the best job I can.”  I can't help but feel for the guy!

Travis Wood started for the Cubs and allowed three runs on six hits while walking one batter and striking out six over seven innings pitched.  Wood pitched well for the most part, but was outpitched by Yovani Gallardo and ended up with his seventh straight loss.

Travis Wood started for the Cubs against the Brewers on Wednesday (photo from cubs.com)

Manager Dale Sveum addressed the team's recent record and youth of the team by saying, "It's a combination of a lot of things.  We're going down looking, we're swinging at pitches way out of the zone early, and then we get good pitches to hit and we take them.  What's going on right now mentally is strange from a hitting point.  We're aggressive when we shouldn't be, and we're passive when we should be aggressive.  We're super young right now.  That's part of the gig, and we knew it."

Sveum also said that the young players are almost afraid of making mistakes, which is what's hurting the team.  However, the team isn't hanging their heads, which is good.

Tomorrow the Cubs have an off day before starting a 10-game homestand at Wrigley Field, beginning on Friday against the Colorado Rockies at 1:20pm CT.  Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs and try to earn his ninth win of the season and end the team's losing streak.

Cubs lose sixth straight; Matt Garza out indefinitely

The Cubs lost 2-0 to the San Diego Padres, which is their sixth loss in a row.  Travis Wood started for the Cubs and allowed two runs over five hits and issued three walks and struck out three batters over six innings pitched.  Wood was charged with the loss and is now is 4-8 on the season.

Third baseman Josh Vitters was in the starting lineup for the first time in his career and and also made an incredible diving stop followed by a strong throw to get an out at first.

Third baseman Josh Vitters made an amazing diving stop on Monday night against the Padres

Centerfielder Brett Jackson was in the leadoff spot in his second career MLB game but perhaps it was too much pressure, too soon, as he struck out in his four at-bats tonight.

Brett Jackson didn't do well in the leadoff spot on Monday night against the Padres

In other Cubs news, Matt Garza has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right elbow and is out indefinitely, which means he could miss the rest of the season.  This is not good at all.

Pitcher Matt Garza is out indefinitely with a stress reaction in his elbow

Therefore, the Cubs will call up left-handed pitcher Brooks Raley from Triple-A Iowa to start for the Cubs on Tuesday in San Diego.  Raley was the Cubs' Pitcher of the Month in July and posted a 2.12 ERA.

It sounds like Raley, a 6th round pick in 2009, is excited, as he tweeted the following this afternoon, "Thanks everyone for the follow and good luck wishes...it's a dream come true #Iamtrulyblessed #cubs"

Brooks Raley will make his Cubs debut against the Padres on Tuesday

When Raley arrives in San Diego, he will be the 14th rookie to join the Cubs this season.  Tomorrow's game will be at 9:05pm CT and I sure hope Raley will get off to a good start and help snap this losing streak!

Brett Jackson and Josh Vitters make Cubs debut; Jeff Baker traded as Cubs lose 7-6 to Dodgers in crazy game

The Cubs lost 7-6 to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the final game of the three-game series this afternoon.  This was also the Cubs' fifth loss in a row.  Justin Germano made the start for the Cubs and allowed two runs over three hits while walking none and striking out three batters. 

There was a little bit of excitement before the game as the news came out that the Cubs traded utility player Jeff Baker to the Detroit Tigers for two players to be named later and also optioned outfielder Tony Campana to Triple-A Iowa.  In corresponding moves, the Cubs called up outfielder Brett Jackson and third baseman Josh Vitters from Triple-A Iowa.

Jackson and Vitters were on a 6am flight from Des Moines to Dallas, then arrived in Los Angeles just in time to get in a quick batting practice session.  "I can promise I'm going to play the game as hard as I always do, and I play to win, and that's the type of player I am and that's the type of player I'll always be," Jackson said.  I like the sound of that!

The long awaited call-up of outfielder Brett Jackson finally happened on Sunday against the Dodgers (photo from cubs.com)

Jackson was batting .256 with 15 home runs, 22 doubles, 12 triples, and 158 strikeouts in 106 games at Iowa, while Vitters was hitting .304 with 17 home runs, 32 doubles and two triples in 110 games.

Both Jackson and Vitters made their major league debuts in today's game.  Jackson grounded out to first in his first at-bat, was walked in the third inning and singled in the fifth inning.  Vitters flied out while pinch-hitting in the seventh.

Scott Maine blew the Cubs' lead by allowing three runs in the fifth.  However, the Cubs regained the lead when Alfonso Soriano hit a 2-run double in the seventh inning.  Then James Russell gave up a 2-run double to Andre Ethier in the seventh, which gave the Dodgers a 6-5 lead.

But it wasn't over yet, as Anthony Rizzo hit a game-tying home run to start off the ninth, but unfortunately Hanley Ramirez hit a walk-off RBI to win the game for the Dodgers in the ninth with one out.  Shawn Camp was tagged with today's loss.


In other Cubs news, Matt Garza will not start on Tuesday and is instead headed to the disabled list, which will be retroactive to 16 days because of elbow stiffness.  Casey Coleman or Chris Rusin will start for the Cubs on Tuesday in San Diego.  Ugh.

Tomorrow the Cubs will start a three-game series against the San Diego Padres at 9:05pm CT.  Travis Wood will start for the Cubs and try to earn his fifth win of the season.  I'm excited for the future of this team, but a win would be nice!

Cubs stomp on Pirates 14-4 on a crazy night at Wrigley Field; Johnson, Maholm and Soto traded during game

The Cubs stomped on the 2nd place Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field on an eventful night at Wrigley Field. 

Justin Germano started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on four hits while walking two batters and striking out three over five innings pitched.  Germano was acquired from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations on July 19th and earned his first Cubs win tonight. 

Germano confirmed the trade craziness happening during the game and said, "It seemed like every time I turned around, someone else was leaving." 

Justin Germano earned his first Cubs win against the Pirates on Monday night

The Cubs scored 9 runs in the 5th inning and there was also a wedding proposal that was missed and re-broadcasted on the scoreboard, in addition to the trades happening during the game.

Anthony Rizzo and Darwin Barney each hit three-run home runs, and Starlin Castro hit a two-run homer.  This was the most runs the Cubs have scored in an inning since they scored 10 on August 14, 2009. They also scored eight runs in an inning on September 8, 2009.  All three big inning games were against the Pirates.

Reed Johnson was pulled in the 5th inning for a pinch hitter and was seen shaking hands and exchanging hugs with his teammates in the dugout, which was fueling the theory that he might have been traded.  It's now been confirmed that Johnson and LHP Paul Maholm have been traded to the Atlanta Braves for Arodys Vizcaino and Jaye Chapman.

LHP Paul Maholm has been traded to the Braves (Reuters photo)

Reed Johnson has been traded to the Braves

Around the same time that Johnson was pulled, Brett Jackson, who was the Cubs first draft pick in 2009, was pulled from the Iowa Cubs game.  It's predicted that Jackson will be added to the Cubs roster on Tuesday.

Top prospect Brett Jackson is expected to be called up from the Iowa Cubs on Tuesday

In the 6th inning, Geovany Soto was pulled and also seen exchanging handshakes and hugs with teammates in the dugout before leaving.  During the 8th inning, news surfaced on Twitter that Soto had been traded to the Texas Rangers for Double-A pitcher Jacob Brigham.

Catcher Geovany Soto has been traded to the Texas Rangers

Alfonso Soriano has reportedly told the Cubs he will not go to the San Francisco Giants in a trade.  Sori was pulled in the 8th inning, but wasn't seen giving hugs or handshakes, so it was unclear if he was about to be traded.

Alfonso Soriano doesn't want to go to the Giants

Darwin Barney was a double away from the cycle in tonight's game and was offensively on fire.

Darwin Barney after his three-run homer in the fifth inning against the Pirates (photo from cubs.com)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play game two of the three-game series at Wrigley Field at 7:05pm CT.  For now, Ryan Dempster is scheduled to start for the Cubs and he has been preparing for the game, although there is still a large possibility that Demp will be traded before the 3pm trade deadline tomorrow.  We shall see! 

Dempster said, "I've enjoyed every moment I've played here, and I'm super proud to be a Chicago Cub and I understand that's always a possibility (to stay with the Cubs), and if that's the case, I'm going to give everything I have starting [Tuesday] night.  Whatever ends up happening in 24 hours or 23 hours from now, we'll find out then.  It could be sooner, it could be wearing my uniform and going out and pitching [Tuesday]."

Will Ryan Dempster be traded on Tuesday?

If Demp is traded, Casey Coleman is the most likely pitcher to be called up from Triple-A Iowa, since he's scheduled to start there anyway.  Again, we shall see what happens tomorrow!

Cubs win 7-4 over the Reds; Byrd rumors; Roster cuts coming Thursday

The Cubs beat the Cincinnati Reds, 7-4 in Goodyear today.  Matt Garza pitched four innings and gave up two runs and seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts.  Second baseman Darwin Barney was 3-for-4 today and is hitting .389 for the spring.

Second baseman Darwin Barney had three hits vs. the Reds on Tuesday (AP photo)

The rumor mill has been going crazy lately about the Cubs looking at trading centerfielder Marlon Byrd in order to be able to call up top prospect Brett Jackson and also in hopes of getting a relief pitcher in the trade.  I personally am a big fan of Byrd's and feel that his positive attitude is a great asset to the team.  I can attest to this because I've met him a couple of times and he is one of the nicest guys around and his positive energy definitely rubs off on you.  But we'll see what happens.

Cubs manager Dale Sveum expects to have 95 percent of his roster set after a meeting with his coaching staff following tomorrow's game.  There will be numerous cuts to the roster on Thursday, which is currently at 40 players.

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the Cleveland Indians at HoHoKam Park at 3:05pm.  Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to start the game.  Randy Wells is expected to pitch at least one inning in relief.  Wells will get another start on April 1st.  You can listen to tomorrow's game on cubs.com.  Only 9 more days until Opening Day!

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!