Chicago Cubs square off against South Side rivals

Spring Training is just beginning for the Chicago Cubs. Today, they take on their crosstown rivals with two important pitchers going.

Over the last few years, Chicago Cubs preseason games against the White Sox have gotten little to no fanfare.

Those crosstown games used to also be on either TV or radio but now, its only on webcast and networks don’t prioritize these games in the spring as they once did.

However, there is a little bit to be excited about for today’s Cactus League contest. The Cubs get their first look at potential fifth starter, Brett Anderson. For the Sox (and much of the baseball world), they get to see Lucas Giolito, one of the top prospects the Sox got in the Adam Eaton deal. Even as a Cubs fan, it’s still pretty exciting to see someone like Giolito pitch.

Betsided

The Cubs will keep a close eye on Anderson and hope he’s fully healthy.  I would expect him to pitch two innings, although it could be based off of pitch count, as we saw with Mike Montgomery.

Anderson is vying for that final rotation spot, which he could end up sharing with Montgomery. Either way, he will get starts for the Cubs this season and his ability to stay healthy will be  a factor in Chicago’s success.

Over the weekend

Yesterday, the Cubs battled the Indians to a 1-1 tie in a World Series rematch yesterday. I would expect the starters to play a few innings before we see the minor league players get some action.

Several arms on the docket

The Cubs also announced that Alec Mills will start Tuesday and Eddie Butler to start on Wednesday. Both of those guys don’t figure to factor into the Opening Day roster, but could provide solid depth if the Cubs need it.

Here are the lineups for today’s game: