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Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs name Jake Arrieta the Opening Night starter
By David Miniel
With the Chicago Cubs being only two days away from their first taste of Cactus League action when they travel to take on the Milwaukee Brewers, fans are buzzing over the news that was announced yesterday afternoon.
Skipper Joe Maddon revealed that 2015 National League Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta will be taking the mound for the Cubs to open up the 2016 campaign in Los Angeles.
They’ll be taking on Mike Trout and the Los Angeles Angels for a three-game set that will begin on Monday, Apr. 4. ESPN will broadcast a handful of games, including the Cubs and Angels, which will start the season off with a very loud bang.
There’s a ton of expectations for not only the Cubs but Arrieta as well. Some think that last year’s performance was a one-time thing or have even labeled him as a ‘flash in the pan’ player.
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Going up against that dangerous Angels lineup will surely prove to the world that he is, in fact, the real deal. The soon-to-be 30-year-old right-hander has shown promise ever since he was traded to the Chicago Cubs a few years ago.
Los Angeles went out and traded for shortstop Andrelton Simmons — a deal that took the baseball world by surprise. Most figured Simmons was the cornerstone of that franchise until Atlanta made the decision to acquire Erick Aybar, Sean Newcomb, Chris Ellis and a little bit of money.
Not a bad deal considering Newcomb is the 19th overall prospect in baseball today. The 22-year-old southpaw is expected to pick up the start during Thursday’s game against the Detroit Tigers for the Braves.
Now here are a few stories you may have missed:
‘Playing time not an issue for Joe Maddon‘ – Cubbies Crib
‘Cactus League play begins this Thursday vs Brewers‘ – Cubbies Crib
‘Maddon names Arrieta the Cubs’ Opening Night starter‘ – Cubbies Crib
‘St. Louis Cardinals: A team captain‘ – Redbird Rants
‘James Shields proves early Padres highlight‘ – Friars on First