Spring Training: Cubs vs Giants 3/20/11

The Cubs matched up with the San Fransisco Giants again on Sunday to kick off the final full week of Spring Training games. On to the game notes.

PITCHING

Randy Wells continues to impress. He was the second starting pitcher to be stretched to six innings this Spring, and he responded by only giving up one run on two hits while striking out seven and walking none. At this rate, you can even begin to argue that Wells should be in the third spot of the rotation in front of Matt Garza.

John Grabow threw another scoreless inning in just his third appearance this Spring as he tries to make up for lost time. The reality is that if 100% healthy, Grabow figures to be on the roster taken north to Wrigley Field for Opening Day due to his contract compared to the younger left handed reliever candidates. However, this should not lead to much fan back lash as none of the other candidates have really played well enough to create a good dilemma. Sean Marshall blew the lead for another shaky outing, but his past track record should make him a lock for the bullpen as well.

The good news is that Carlos Marmol came through with a clean inning without walking anyone or allowing any hits.

DEFENSE

Starlin Castro made his third error of the Spring.

OFFENSE

Marlon Byrd went 2 for 2 out of the three spot as he continues his hot hitting. Manager Mike Quade is still holding out hope that Blake DeWitt can salvage his Spring Training results so that the manager can have a left handed hitting bat to select from the back up infielder mix, but Scott Moore and Bobby Scales, who both also hit from the left side, continue to put pressure on DeWitt in a bid for a back up role. Both non roster invitees combined to drive in two of the three Cubs runs and went 1 for 3 and 2 for 4 respectively. This late development will be one to keep an eye on as Quade and the front office discuss the shaping of the 25 man roster this week.