Spring Training: Cubs vs Padres 3/19/11

The Cubs made another trip to Peoria, Arizona to face the San Diego Padres. Unfortunately there was not too many positives on Saturday. On to the game notes.

PITCHING

Matt Garza once again did not have pretty outing. His unlucky number was three. He allowed three runs on three hits in three innings, but the biggest disappointment is the three walks. Over the course of a long regular season a pitcher will have days where his control is lacking, but as we get closer to Opening Day, it is not a good sign to see Garza continuing to add to his walk total for the Spring.

Jeff Samardzija is trying to earn a bullpen spot and despite struggling of late, he did contribute a scoreless inning. Braden Looper’s bid to make the 25 man roster took a big hit, as he gave up eight runs in two innings. From afar it looked as if he was just a step behind Andrew Cashner and a step ahead of Carlos Silva in the competition for the 5th starter spot, but his outing Saturday was not a good sign.

DEFENSE

Only one error in the field by the Cubs, but they continue to add to their Spring league leading total.

OFFENSE

The offense was shut down with the exception of a grand slam by Max Ramirez. Kosuke Fukudome went 1 for 3 out of the lead off spot, but he has still yet to impress in that role. Blake DeWitt continues to lose his grip on his bid for playing time at second base, as he went 0 for 3.