Spring Training: Cubs vs A’s 3/17/11

After an off day on Wednesday, the Cubs returned for action yesterday, matching up with the Oakland A’s again. So like wise I will jump into the game notes.

PITCHING

Ryan Dempster went six innings in this game and gave up two early runs in the 2^nd inning. But overall another quality warm up outing leading up the Opening Day, highlighted by three strikeouts and no walks. Assuming the Spring rotation stays on course like a regular season rotation schedule, the Cubs ace is looking at two more Spring starts before the schedule perfectly lines up for him to take the mound at Wrigley Field on Opening Day. Judging from what we have seen so far this Spring, he is ready to go.

John Grabow’s appearance was the other highlight for the staff today. He had been slowed down after his first Spring appearance after not feeling 100%, and was given the green light to make an appearance yesterday after he had no ill effects after his side session earlier in the week. Grabow channeled the better health into a scoreless inning in relief, just allowing one hit; not bad at all considering he has not been regularly participating in Spring games. With about two weeks left to go in camp, the question will be if Grabow can show he can get up to speed by Opening Day. The veteran would be assumed to have the second left handed reliever job next to Sean Marshall, but he must show that he is truly recovered from his DL shortened 2010 season.

Marshall blew the game for the Cubs in the bottom of the 9^th by giving up three runs, and this was his worst outing thus far, but I am not too worried about Marshall as he has proven over the last few seasons that he can get the job down over the course of an entire MLB season.

DEFENSE

Fernando Perez committed the lone Cub error.

OFFENSE

The offense was shut down by Gio Gonzalez of the A’s through six innings, but they finally broke through against him in the 7^th inning and tallied three runs in the frame. Geo Soto led off the inning with a solo home run. After Carlos Pena walked, Alfonso Soriano launched a home run of his own to center field. In the 8^th inning Reed Johnson got in on the home run party with a two run shot of his own.