Chicago Cubs Vs Pittsburgh Pirates: Pre-Game Notes, Lineup, and TV Information

The Chicago Cubs take the field today in an attempt to add to the Pittsburgh Pirates woes. The Cubs failed on that opportunity on Saturday as the team lost 7 to 6 to the Pirates. Jason Berken was the starting pitcher for the Cubs, and was making his first appearance for the team since being claimed off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles. Berken looked ineffective as the starting pitcher only lasted 4 innings while allowing 6 runs, to which only 2 were earned, on 8 hits. Second Baseman Darwin Barney drove in two runs, while Anthony Rizzo, Alfonso Soriano, Starlin Castro, and Dave Sappelt each had a pair of hits.

September 10, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Chris Volstad (32) reacts after a pitch in the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-US PRESSWIRE

Chris Volstad takes to the mound for the Cubs today as the starting pitcher looks to continue his recent success and close out the season on a high note.

Broadcast Information:

• Television: WGN
• Radio: WGN Radio 720 AM
• Game Time: 1:20 PM

Starting Lineup:

1. Joe Mather, Center Field
2. Darwin Barney, Second Baseman
3. Anthony Rizzo, First Base
4. Alfonso Soriano, Left Field
5. Starlin Castro, Shortstop
6. Welington Castillo, Catcher
7. Dave Sappelt, Right Field
8. Luis Valbuena, Third Base
9. Chris Volstad, Starting Pitcher

Pre-Game Notes: 

• Dave Sappelt has played relatively well since being promoted to the Major League team in early September. Sappelt was acquired as part of the Sean Marshall for Travis Wood trade, and has been getting the opportunity to play on a regular basis. If Sappelt continues his impressive showing for the final few weeks of the season, one can expect him to be in a position to serve as a Reed Johnson type for the Cubs in 2013.
• Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams was on the radio on Sunday morning, while doing an interview for “Hit and Run” on 670 The Score AM, Williams indicated that he would like to retain third baseman Kevin Youkilis for the 2o13 season but it would depend on the asking price from Youkilis. The Cubs have been linked to Youkilis, who has enjoyed a rebirth of sorts with the White Sox this season. Some have speculated that Youkilis may be willing to give the Cubs a discount, however, he may be willing to do the same for the White Sox. If so, it would be hard pressed to find a scenario where the former Red Sox fan favorite becomes a favorite of the North Side faithful.