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The Chicago Cubs return to Wrigley Field on Friday to start a weekend series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates, at one time not too long ago, were in the middle of the National League Central division race. The Pirates now stand with a record of two games over the .500 mark, as they suffered with same struggles they did late last season in their attempt to stay relevant. The Cubs have been irrelevant for a majority of the 2012 season, but I’m sure Cubs fans would enjoy the Pirates’ continued demise this weekend.
September 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Chris Rusin (18) observes from the dugout against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fourth inning at PNC Park. The Chicago Cubs won 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
Before we dive into the game details, I wanted to take a trip around the Cubs’ blogosphere and look at what is making news. Brett Taylor of Bleacher Nation explains why the new formatted schedule in 2013 could benefit the Cubs. John Arguello of Cubs Den does an in depth review of both the Cubs’ and Astros’ rebuilding process and then asks which route is better. Lastly, Hot Stove Cubbies has a great read on the integrity of the game and the effect that steroids has on the game’s honesty.
Starting Pitcher Chris Rusin takes the mound for the Cubs today as the team looks to close out the final two weeks of the Major League season on a high note.
Broadcast Information
- Television: WGN
- Radio: WGN Radio 720 AM
- Game Time: 1:20 PM
Starting Lineup
Pre-Game Notes
- This week, I have seen several articles that have speculated on what type of players the Cubs may be interested in for the off-season. Most of the focus has been on the starting pitching market. To which, expect the Cubs to sign a pair of veteran starting pitching free agents. The hope is that the Cubs could implement the same strategy that they used with Paul Maholm this season. Sign a veteran starting pitcher in the off-season to add some stability to the starting rotation, and then pawn him off for a package of prospects to improve the farm system.