Cubs busy making roster moves and staffing changes

Even though it's the off-season for the Cubs, the team has been busy making roster moves and looking for a replacement for former Cubs TV broadcaster Bob Brenly, who accepted a job as the TV analyst for the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this month.

Bob Brenly has accepted a job with the Arizona Diamondbacks

Brenly said, "Working here in Chicago was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my professional career.  The Ricketts family, everyone associated with the Cubs and WGN and, most importantly, Cubs’ fans everywhere, will always be in our hearts, and Joan and I wish nothing but the best for the organization moving forward.  I was very blessed to have the best play-by-play man in the game as my partner for eight years and Cubs’ fans are very fortunate to have Len Kasper as the voice of the Cubs.  I’ll miss working with him and we look fondly toward returning to Chicago in the future."

The Cubs outrighted Joe Mather, Justin Germano, Manuel Corpas and Blake Parker to the Iowa Cubs today.  Corpas then elected free agency.

The Kansas City Royals claimed right-handed pitcher Chris Volstad off waivers on Friday.

On Thursday, the team assigned infielder Adrian Cardenas and right handed pitchers Miguel Socolovich, Jason Berken and Marcos Mateo to Triple-A Iowa. 

The Cubs also claimed right handed pitcher Carlos Gutierrez off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.  In a corresponding move,  catcher Anthony Recker, who was designated for assignment on Wednesday, was claimed off waivers by the New York Mets.

The Cubs claimed RHP Carlos Gutierrez off waivers from the Twins (photo from cubs.com)

On October 23rd, the Cubs named David Bell as their third base coach and removed the interim tag from hitting coach James Rowson.  The 2013 coaching staff is now set.  Bell & Rowson join Chris Bosio (pitching coach), Dave McKay (1B coach), Jamie Quirk (bench coach) & Lester Strode (bullpen coach). 

On October 16th, the Cubs acquired right handed pitcher Marcelo Carreno from the Detroit Tigers to complete the 8/5 trade for Jeff Baker.

On October 14th, Blake DeWitt, Randy Wells and Alex Hinshaw all elected free agency.

The Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 33.  I'm sure there will be many more roster moves to come!  Meanwhile, Cubs fans all over the world are happy the St. Louis Cardinals were eliminated by the San Francisco Giants from winning the National League division.  It was fun tweeting with fellow Cubs fans while cheering for the Giants (or against the Cards, depending on how you look at it!)

Are you rooting for the Giants or the Detroit Tigers to win the World Series?  The Giants are currently two games up on the Tigers.  Game three will be played in Detroit on Saturday.

Anthony Rizzo's HR and grand slam lead Cubs to 13-9 victory over Pirates in comeback game

The Cubs won 13-9 over the Pirates in an exciting comeback game on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field which was also one of the longest games of the season at four hours and four minutes.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs didn't fare too well as he allowed six runs on ten hits while striking out three and walking four batters over 4.2 innings pitched.  Volstad left the game with the Cubs trailing 6-1. 

The Cubs then used six pitchers after Volstad and Jeff Beliveau ended up earning his first career MLB win in one of the more exciting games this season.

Anthony Rizzo was the highlight of the game and was showered with Gatorade just as he was about to give his post-game interview on the field.  Rizzo hit two homers, one of which was his first career grand slam, which lifted the Cubs to a 10-9 lead in the sixth inning.  He also had 6 RBIs today.

Anthony Rizzo acknowledges the fans after his first career grand slam in the sixth inning against the Pirates (Getty Images photo)

Manager Dale Sveum said, “There were a lot of great things that happened in that game, obviously Rizzo’s day is spectacular.  I think Joe Mather's leadoff home run (in the sixth) got things going after we weren’t really doing anything. That inning snowballed into a five-run inning, and obviously Rizzo’s blast.”

Bryan LaHair congratulates Anthony Rizzo after his grand slam against the Pirates (photo from cubs.com)

Alfonso Soriano put the Cubs on the board in the first inning with his 100th RBI of the season.  This was the first time Soriano has reached the 100 RBI mark as a Cub.  His 2 RBI put him at 101 for the season.

"I'm just feeling good," Soriano said.  "I had a lot of opportunities to drive guys in.  I'm very happy with what I did.  Personally, it's good, but it's not enough.  It could be better if we had a winning record.  Now, everybody is trying to have fun the last two, three weeks of the season."

I just love it when the Cubs can play spoiler and it's fun to see them still trying their hardest to win games, even though we all know that this is not going to be "the year."

Alfonso Soriano's 100th RBI of the season was an RBI single in the first inning against the Pirates (Getty Images photo)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Pirates will play the final game of the three-game series at 7:05pm CT.  Travis Wood will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his seventh win of the season.

Chris Volstad earns 2nd win in a row as Cubs win 6-4 over Giants

The Cubs won 6-4 over the San Francisco Giants this afternoon at Wrigley Field.  Chris Volstad started for the Cubs and allowed two runs on five hits while walking three batters and striking out two over 5-2/3 innings pitched.  Volstad earned his second straight win after finally breaking free of his 24-game winless streak in his previous start on Sunday against the Colorado Rockies.

Volstad addressed the streak and said, "Winning two in a row, or losing 24 in a row, I'm still going to pitch in the rotation the next five days and I have to get ready for that, just like I would any other time."

Alfonso Soriano had an amazing game as he drove in three runs and also hit his 24th home run.  Anthony Rizzo also hit his 10th homer today, which was under video review before the umpires deemed it a home run.  Wellington Castillo also ended up with an inside-the-park homer in the third inning.

The Cubs finished August on a high note, despite an 8-21 record for the month.  The team is motivated to not lose 100 games this season, so they are prepared to play hard in September.  This is especially important, because it would make it even harder for everyone if they were not even trying, but that's definitely not the case.

Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano both hit homers in Friday's game against the Giants (photo from cubs.com)

Joe Mather scores on Friday against the Cubs' win against the Giants (photo from Chicago Tribune)

In other Cubs news, the team recalled left-hander Jeff Beliveau from Triple-A Iowa and optioned left-hander Brooks Raley to Iowa.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Giants will play the second game in the three-game series at 12:05pm CT.  Justin Germano will make the start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win of the season.  He will face right hander Tim Lincecum. 

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. 

Cubs win 8-1 over Diamondbacks after 3 hour and 40 minute rain delay; David and Kim DeJesus to hold ALS Awareness Events before and after Saturday's game

The Cubs beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 8-1 at Wrigley Field today after a three hour and 40 minute rain delay.  Paul Maholm started for the Cubs and and allowed one run on six hits and struck out five batters and walked one over seven innings pitched.  This was Maholm's seventh win of the season and his third win in a row.

Alfonso Soriano was 4-for-4 in today's game and had five RBIs with two homers and two doubles.  "I feel very good, my mind and body, too," said Soriano.  "To have success, it's all about my legs.  The last month or two my legs are feeling very good."

Outfielders Joe Mather, Alfonso Soriano and David DeJesus celebrate the Cubs 8-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Friday (photo from Chicago Cubs)

Maholm and Bryan LaHair each also had RBIs in today's victory.  "Obviously, the first two months we didn't play very well," Maholm said.  "But over the last six-seven weeks we've kept battling and kept expecting to win.  Now it's paying off.  We're having fun.  We're working hard to make sure we're ready for every game."

Paul Maholm earned his seventh win of the season against the Diamondbacks on Friday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

This is the Cubs' eighth victory in their last 11 games.  Manager Dale Sveum said, "Everybody right now is playing pretty good baseball, but it starts with that starting pitching and our starting pitching has been really good for a couple of weeks."

The Cubs are no longer in last place in the NL Central division, which is great to see, even though they are still 14.5 games behind the first place Pirates.

Anthony Rizzo and Joe Mather sit in the Cubs' dugout during the rain delay Friday (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Anthony Rizzo removes his spikes and socks to walk down the flooded walkway to the Cubs' clubhouse (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Tomorrow the Cubs and Diamondbacks will play game two of the three game series at 12:05pm CT.  Ryan Dempster will start for the Cubs and it's expected that there will be numerous scouts in the stands watching him pitch.  This may be Dempster's last start at Wrigley Field as a Cub if he is traded soon (before the July 31st trade deadline).

If you are in the area or heading to tomorrow's game, don't forget to come early to stop by Kim DeJesus' (wife of David DeJesus) table right outside the main gate of Wrigley Field, where she will be hosting an ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) awareness day.

Starting at approximately 10:05am, there will be mystery baseballs for sale for a $50 donation.  Each Cubs player has autographed a dozen baseballs and they have been wrapped so you won't know which player's ball you'll receive until you open the package.  There will also be ALS bracelets available for a small donation.  All proceeds will benefit ALS research.

After tomorrow's game, David DeJesus will be holding an autograph signing at the Cubs store across the street from Wrigley Field (by the 'Big Noodle' at Clark and Addison).  For a minimum donation of $20, you can get meet the Cubs outfielder and get a photo/autograph from him.

Here's a link to my previous post about tomorrow's events:  http://cubbynews.blogspot.com/2012/07/david-and-kim-dejesus-to-hold-als.html

Travis Wood pitches the Cubs to a 6-1 win against the Mets; The Anthony Rizzo era is about to begin

The Cubs won 6-1 over the New York Mets at Wrigley Field tonight.  Travis Wood started for the Cubs and pitched seven shutout innings and allowed five hits, one walk, and threw six strikeouts on 93 pitches.  Wood had excellent command of his pitches and led his team to a win.

Travis Wood pitched seven shutout innings against the Mets (photo from cubs.com)

Joe Mather got the Cubs on the board with a hard-hit two-run homer in the fourth inning.  The Cubs then scored four runs in the seventh inning when the Mets made three errors.  Shawn Camp pitched in relief in a scoreless eighth inning, but the Cubs were one out from a shutout in the ninth inning when Ike Davis hit a solo home run off of James Russell.

Joe Mather is congratulated by Geovany Soto after his 2-run homer against the Mets (photo from cubs.com)

This was definitely one of the more fun games to watch this season!  Go Cubs Go!

The other big news of today - It's official:  Anthony Rizzo is on his way to Chicago and will start in Tuesday night's game against the New York Mets. 

Rizzo was hitting .345 with 23 homers and 62 RBI in 69 games at Iowa.  After his second at-bat during the Iowa Cubs' game against Round Rock today, he was told he had been promoted to Chicago.  “I had no idea before the game,” Rizzo said.  “After that at-bat, I figured something was up because (manager Dave Bialas) usually comes out to get the helmet of whoever makes the final out.  He didn’t do it that time.  He told me to come on in.  That’s when he told me I was going to Chicago.”

Regarding Cubs fans, Rizzo said, “I want to tell them that there’s going to be good times, and there will there be bad times.  Hopefully there will be times I’m a hero, and there will be times that I’m the villain.  That’s the nature of the game, and that goes for every baseball player.”

Anthony Rizzo (shown here during Cubs' spring training) will make his Cubs debut Tuesday against the Mets (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum said that Rizzo "has got to understand he's not a savior of this offense right now.  I think that's what he's got to be careful of.  If he comes up here and tries to save a struggling offense...he can't do it with one swing of the bat.  It'd be nice if he did."

Sveum said he'll probably bat Rizzo third or fourth in the lineup "so somebody can hit behind him."  Bryan LaHair, who has been playing the most at first base, will play in the outfield almost exclusively, and Rizzo will play first base "most of the time", according to Sveum.

“You’re going to play in front of the greatest fans in baseball,” former teammate Chris Volstad told Rizzo in the clubhouse during the Iowa Cubs’ game against Round Rock.  “You’ll do great.”

Well, this sure is exciting news and gives Cubs fans something to be pumped about, since the Cubs currently have the worst record in the Majors.  After tonight's game, Adrian Cardenas has been optioned to Triple-A Iowa to make room for Rizzo on the 25-man roster.  Rizzo will wear number 44 for the Cubs.

In other Cubs news, former Cubs outfielder Marlon Byrd, who was traded to the Boston Red Sox for pitcher Michael Bowden was suspended for 50 games for testing positive for an estrogen-blocking drug, tamoxifen, which is used to minimize side effects typical in steroid use and is one of 200 substances on the banned list, but is not a performance-enhancing drug.

Former Cub Marlon Byrd has been placed on the restricted list and suspended for 50 games (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Via the players' union, Byrd released the following statement:  "I made an inexcusable mistake. Several years ago, I had surgery for a condition that was private and unrelated to baseball.  Last winter, I suffered a recurrence of that condition and I was provided with a medication that resulted in my positive test.  Although that medication is on the banned list, I absolutely did not use it for performance enhancement reasons.  I am mortified by my carelessness and I apologize to everyone who loves this game as I do.  I will serve my suspension, continue to work hard and hope that I am given an opportunity to help a club win later this season."  Byrd had been released by the Red Sox and was playing at the minor league level.

Tomorrow is the big game at 7:05pm where Anthony Rizzo will make his debut.  Randy Wells will start for the Cubs in place of Ryan Dempster (who is on the disabled list for a tight right lat) and try for his second win of the season.

Cubs lose 8-4 to Tigers; Ian Stewart to DL; Photo gallery from Wednesday's game

The Cubs lost 8-4 to the Detroit Tigers at Wrigley Field Wednesday night.  The series is now tied 1-1.  Matt Garza started for the Cubs and blew a three-run lead in the sixth inning, which started when Joe Mather, who replaced Ian Stewart in the lineup at the last minute, made an error on a potential double play grounder.

Garza gave up five runs (three earned) on seven hits and struck out five in six innings pitched.  Tonight's crowd of 41,326 was the largest crowd of the season at Wrigley.  I was at the game and can attest that it was a full house, which was surprisingly full of Tigers fans who would continually chant in groups, "Let's go Tigers, let's go!"  It was extremely irritating, in my opinion!

Matt Garza was doing well until the sixth inning in Wednesday night's game against the Tigers (photo from cubs.com)

Cubs manager Dale Sveum confirmed that third baseman Stewart is headed to the disabled list with a sore left wrist.  "He's been battling as much as he can through it," Sveum said. "It just got to the point today where it was pretty bad.  Took him out of the lineup and we're going to get it evaluated.  We'll put him on the DL (Thursday) and go from there."

The Cubs and Tigers will play the rubber game of the series at 1:20pm CT on Thursday.  Travis Wood will make the start for the Cubs and try for his first win of the season. 

On another note, Men's Journal magazine asked 100 MLB players questions such as, "Who's the most hated player in baseball and Which city has the best groupies?"  (The answers are A.J. Pierzynski and Chicago).  Here's a link to the survey results, which are pretty entertaining and accurate, for the most part!

Here are some photos I took at the game:

Matt Garza on the mound

Starlin Castro ready on defense

Bryan LaHair

Alfonso Soriano in LF

David DeJesus in RF

Darwin Barney and Prince Fielder at 1st base

Joe Mather on 2nd base

Tony Campana at the plate

Tony Campana after almost being hit by a pitch

Wrigley Field's turf is looking pretty rugged after the Roger Waters and Brad Paisley concerts last weekend

Cubs offense finally comes alive in the ninth, but they fall short and lose 4-3 to the Giants

The Cubs offense was quiet until the ninth inning as they lost to the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park tonight.  Paul Maholm started for the Cubs and allowed four runs on eight hits and walked two batters and struck out four over 5.1 innings.  Maholm put the Cubs in a 4-0 hole in the third inning and was pulled with one out in 6th after throwing 89 pitches.

Cubs starter Paul Maholm had a rough outing tonight in San Francisco (photo from cubs.com)

Right handed reliever Blake Parker came into the game next and lasted until the seventh inning with two out and a runner on first.

Casey Coleman came into the game next and got the third out.  Carlos Marmol entered the game in the bottom of the eighth and did a good job.

The Cubs made it interesting in the ninth when Starlin Castro led off with a base hit, followed by Joe Mather's base hit.  Alfonso Soriano batted third in the inning and hit a 3-run home run to make it 4-3 Giants.

Bryan LaHair came through next with a double with one out, but Darwin Barney and David DeJesus were unable to reach.

Even though the Cubs finally kicked in their offense in the ninth and finally made tonight's game fun to watch, they fell one run short of tying it up and lost 4-3 to the Giants.

Tomorrow, the Cubs and Giants will wear 1912 replica uniforms as they play game two of the four game series at 6:15pm CT.  The Cubs were 91-59 that year and finished third in the division.  Matt Garza will start for the Cubs and try to earn his third win of the season.

Cubs can't score runs for Ryan Dempster once again and extend losing streak to 10

The Cubs were shut out by the Pittsburgh Pirates, 1-0 tonight.  Ryan Dempster had another excellent start but once again didn't have any offense to back him up.  I really feel for Demps!  He has a 2.14 ERA in 8 starts this season and is winless.  His winless streak is now at 17 games.

Dempster allowed one run on seven hits and walked one batter and struck out six batters over 7.1 innings pitched.  Dempster, along with Joe Mather, Alfonso Soriano, and Darwin Barney were the bright spots of tonight's game.  The Cubs had opportunities to score, but weren't able to take advantage of their chances.

Ryan Dempster had another quality start but ended up getting a loss tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Another tough statistic to absorb:  The Cubs have scored in only four of their last 56 innings. 

"I've been through a 12-game losing streak once in my career," Cubs manager Dale Sveum aid, referring to the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers.  "It grinds on you, it gets frustrating, no question about it.  That's human nature.  Most of the time, it all turns around.  The last time I was part of it, we were 30 games over .500 after (the losing streak).  So a lot of good teams go through this."

The 1987 Brewers began the season 13-0, but lost 12 straight games from May 3-19.  They ended up finishing with a record of 91-71.  Not sure if that helps to hear, but I guess you never know what might happen.

In other news, third baseman Ian Stewart was taken out of today's lineup due to soreness in his left wrist.  Sveum said he will be re-evaluated on Saturday.

Sveum did tweak the batting order a little for tonight's game by moving shortstop Starlin Castro from the number 3 spot to number 2 for the first time this season.  Joe Mather also batted third in the lineup for the first time this season.

"It's time," Sveum said.  "[We haven't been] scoring throughout the whole season, and Mather's been as good as anybody swinging the bat, so I'm going to give him a little opportunity to see what he can do.  Like I told Castro, 'It's not a demotion, it's more shaking the team up.'  He was great about it -- he was like, 'Hey, I just want to win, I don't care where I hit in the lineup.'  He took it well and completely understood."

It looks like the Cubs may need more tweaks in the lineup to spark some offense.  We'll see what happens tomorrow as the Cubs and Pirates will play at 6:15pm CT.   Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs in his old stomping grounds, where he pitched for over six years before coming to the Cubs.  Keep your heads up, Cubs fans!  Tomorrow is a new day!

Matt Garza was outstanding as he led the Cubs to a 5-1 win against the Phillies

Matt Garza pitched an outstanding game against the Philadelphia Phillies and led the Cubs to a 5-1 victory today.  Garza allowed only one hit and no runs while striking out ten batters and walking one during seven innings pitched, which ended up being his best outing so far this season.

Matt Garza had his best outing of the season today (photo from Chicago Tribune)

Joe Mather hit his first home run as a Cub today.  Manager Dale Sveum decided to give right fielder David DeJesus (who has started 18 of the Cubs' 21 games) the day off.  "It's a good opportunity to get [Jeff] Baker and [Joe] Mather some at bats," Sveum said, adding that Phillies starter Kyle Kendrick's numbers against right-handed hitters weren't overwhelming, and that the Cubs won't face a left-handed starter for awhile.  Tony Campana took DeJesus' leadoff spot in the lineup today.

Rafael Dolis pitched a perfect eighth inning, but Carlos Marmol came into the game in the ninth and gave Cub fans something to stress about when he loaded the bases on two walks and allowed an infield hit before walking Ty Wigginton to force in the Phillies' only run.

Tomorrow the Cubs and Phillies will play the final game of the 4-game series at 6:05pm CT.  Chris Volstad will start for the Cubs and is still looking for his first win this season.  Currently the Cubs lead the series, 2-1.

Cubs lose 5-1 to the Cards today, but still win the series; Jason Alexander at Wrigley; Cubs Bricks and Ivy Ball tonight

The Cubs lost 5-1 to the St. Louis Cardinals at a soggy Wrigley Field today, but they still win the series.  After a 15 minute rain delay, Cubs starter Chris Volstad ended up getting his third loss this season after giving up four runs on six hits during the six innings he pitched.

Volstad gave up an RBI single to Matt Carpenter in the third inning to give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.  Then Cubs first baseman Bryan LaHair the tied the game with his fourth home run of the season.  But the Cardinals regained the lead in the sixth on an RBI double by Carlos Beltran and a two-run home run by David Freese.

It was definitely a letdown after the Cubs just had back-to-back walk-off wins on Monday and Tuesday against the Cards at Wrigley for the first time since July 26-27, 1961.  But we'll definitely take the series win against the World Champions.

I was at today's game and below are some of my photos from the game:

Actor Jason Alexander (George Costanza from "Seinfeld") threw out the first pitch today

Jason Alexander in action

Joe Mather hands Jason Alexander his first pitch ball

Starter Chris Volstad in action

Second baseman Darwin Barney behind Volstad

Third baseman Ian Stewart

One event I wish I was going to is the Cubs Bricks and Ivy Ball, which is tonight at Navy Pier.  The second annual fundraiser will feature dinner, music, and silent and live auctions, as well as a chance to mingle with Cubs players, coaching staff, owners and front office management.  Proceeds will benefit Chicago Cubs Charities.

The Cubs have an off-day Thursday and will travel to Philadelphia to play a four-game series against the Phillies starting Friday at 6:05pm CST, where Paul Maholm will start for the Cubs.

Joe Mather's walk-off hit gives the Cubs the win against the Cardinals; Michael Bowden excited to join Cubs

What a game the Cubs had tonight!  Joe Mather delivered with a 2-run walk-off single in the ninth inning to win the game, 3-2 against the St. Louis Cardinals.  Matt Garza was the starting pitcher and allowed four hits and two earned runs and issued three walks and struck out five batters through seven innings pitched.  Here's a link to a video of Joe Mather's game-winning hit.

Joe Mather, Tony Campana and Alfonso Soriano celebrate their walk-off win against the Cardinals (photo from cubs.com)

Second baseman Darwin Barney scored the first run for the Cubs tonight (photo from cubs.com)

Since Tony Campana was called up from Triple-A Iowa over the weekend, he's had three hits in five at-bats, which is the same amount of hits Marlon Byrd had in 43 at-bats before he was traded to the Boston Red Sox over the weekend.  Right now, Theo Epstein and Co. are looking pretty wise!

Cubs manager Dale Sveum used right-handed hitters in the lineup tonight against left-handed Cardinals' pitcher Jaime Garcia, and sat third baseman Ian Stewart and first baseman Bryan LaHair out for Mather and Jeff Baker.

In other Cubs news, the team officially added Michael Bowden to the 25-man roster today and in turn, designated pitcher Rodrigo Lopez for assignment.  The Cubs hope that Lopez will clear waivers and accept a job at Triple-A Iowa to be in the starting rotation.  “Hopefully that happens, and hopefully he elects to go down there,” Cubs' manager Dale Sveum said.

Bowden is 25 years old and grew up in the Chicago area as a Cubs fan.  He said, "This is a dream come true.  I'm very blessed and fortunate and extremely excited."  Bowden currently resides in Oswego and attended high school in Aurora. Bowden was drafted in 2005 by the Boston Red Sox when Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein was the General Manager for the Red Sox and Jed Hoyer was Epstein's Assistant GM.   “They know me well and I know them well,” Bowden said.  “So it’s a nice level of comfort.”  Welcome home and welcome to the Cubs, Michael Bowden!

Tomorrow the Cubs will play game 2 against the Cardinals at 7:05pm, where Jeff Samardzija will start for the Cubs.

Cubs get a W against the Indians, 6-2; Sveum says Opening Day Lineup not set yet

The Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians, 6-2 in Goodyear, AZ today.  Rodrigo Lopez pitched 4.1 innings and allowed two runs.  Alfonso Soriano was 1 for 3 and hit hit sixth homer of the Spring.

Alfonso Soriano signing autographs today in Goodyear (photo from WGN-TV)

Rodrigo Lopez helped pitch the Cubs to a win over the Indians on Sunday

Cubs Manager Dale Sveum said that the lineup is not yet finalized, so he isn't completely sure if David DeJesus will be in the leadoff spot.  Sveum said, "It's probably going to be four days from now where we just sit down and say 'All right, this is what it's going to be on Opening Day.'  Nothing is etched in stone except Soriano is going to be (No.) 3, 4 or 5," he said.

Joe Mather’s spot on the roster seems secure, and that status was most likely assured even before he had another impressive day today.  Not only did he make a great catch in deep center field while reaching behind his head, he also delivered at the plate by hitting two doubles, which raised his Cactus League batting average to .432. 

Tomorrow the Cubs will play their last set of split-squad games of the Spring.  Paul Maholm, who has been named the Cubs' #5 starter, will start against the San Diego Padres at HoHoKam Park at 3:05pm CST.  Jay Jackson will start the road game against the Diamondbacks at 3:10pm CST in Scottsdale.  Only 11 more days until Opening Day!

Cubs beat the Rangers, Ian Stewart with 1st HR of spring

The Cubs beat the Texas Rangers, 11-4 today.  Matt Garza made his final start of the Cactus League season.  Manager Dale Sveum confirmed he will announce Friday who the team's Opening Day starter will be (either Ryan Dempster or Garza). 

Garza pitched five innings today and gave up three runs, two hits, walked three, and struck out three.  Out of 81 pitches thrown, 48 were strikes.  Joe Mather was 3 for 3, with a home run, single, and double.  Alfonso Soriano also hit a two-run home run in the 5th inning.  Ian Stewart hit his first home run of the spring.  RHP Marcos Mateo was pulled in the 6th inning after throwing just two pitches.  His injury is unknown.

The Cubs optioned RHP Andy Sonnanstine to Triple-A Iowa today.  The Cubs roster currently stands at 47 players.

Cubs pitcher Andy Sonnanstine was optioned to Triple-A Iowa today (photo from US Presswire)

2 weeks until Opening Day!