Chicago Cubs Vs San Francisco Giants: Pre-Game Notes, Lineup, and TV Info

The Chicago Cubs set their playoff roster today. Despite speculation among the fan base that the Cubs could trade left fielder Alfonso Soriano or closer Carlos Marmol in order to acquire that final piece to push the team to where they need to be come the end of the regular season. All joking aside, the waiver trade deadline came and went on Friday without the Cubs making a move. Meaning Alfonso Soriano, despite interest from the San Francisco Giants, and Carlos Marmol remained with the Cubs.

Speaking of Soriano, the left fielder played a pivotal role in the Cubs defeat of the San Francisco Giants on Friday. Soriano went 2 for 4 against the Giants on Friday to go along with 3 RBIs including a two run home run that went onto the streets of Wrigleyville. Soriano looks to continue to give the Giants’ nightmares as the two teams continue their series at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

Broadcast Information

• Television: Comcast Sportsnet Chicago
• Radio: WGN Radio 720 AM
• Game time: 12:05 PM

Lineup

1. David DeJesus, Right Field
2. Luis Valbuena, Third Base
3. Anthony Rizzo, First Base
4. Alfonso Soriano, Left Field
5. Starlin Castro, Shortstop
6. Welington Castillo, Catcher
7. Brett Jackson, Center Field
8. Darwin Barney, Second Base
9. Justin Germano, Starting Pitcher

Pre-Game Notes

• The effects of Hurricane Isaac will be on display over the Chicago land area over the next couple of days. Not only in gas prices, but there is expected to be rain storms on and off through most of Chicago over the next 48 hours. Reports already indicate that the Cubs’ ground crew already have the field covered with a tarp. Given that the game starts at noon, fans that attend the game today may be in for a long-day at Wrigley Field.
• As I mentioned above, Friday was the waiver deadline for Major League Baseball. With today being the first day of September, playing rosters now expand from 25 to 40. The Cubs have promoted outfielder Tony Campana, infielder Adrian Cardenas, and outfielder Dave Sappelt. Sappelt was the outfielder that the Cubs acquired as part of the Sean Marshall for Travis Wood trade. Pitcher Miguel Socolovich will join the team on Sunday, while pitcher Chris Rusin  and catcher Anthony Recker will follow on Tuesday. The Cubs acquired Recker this past week in a trade that sent Blake Lalli to the Oakland Athletics. Despite speculation, Junior Lake is not expected to be promoted tot he Major League level this month.