The seasons for the Cubs and the White Sox have started in opposite directions. After cruising through the first several innings of their opening bout with the Pirates, the Cubs imploded and dropped their home opener. Meanwhile the Sox looked invincible with the addition of Adam Dunn, minus a few hiccups with their bullpen late in the game. Both teams are active again today.
Cubs vs. Pirates, Wrigley Field, Chicago, 12:05 P.M. CDT:
The Cubs will try to take revenge on the Pirates today at Wrigley Field after their opening loss in a soggy home opener on Friday afternoon. Carlos Zambrano will take the mound to face Paul Maholm. Fortunately today's weather will cooperate a bit more than yesterday's, with sun and temperatures forcasted in the low 50's.
The Cubs have seen lefthander Paul Maholm before, currently in his seventh season with the Pirates. Last year was by far one of the worst years of his career, as he sported a 5.10 ERA on the season. The Cubs lineup should look much the same today after the good starts by rookies Darwin Barney and Starlin Castro.
The game will be televised on CSN Chicago and ROOT Sports.
White Sox at Indians, Progressive Field, Cleveland, 12:05 P.M. CDT:
The White Sox are looking to put their new slogan "All In" to the test today as they attempt to grab their opening series against Cleveland. Yesterday featured an offensive explosion on the backs of healthy Carlos Quentin and off-season acquisition Adam Dunn. Mark Buehrle looked sharp through almost all his innings, but the bullpen was shaky, turning a laugher into a game that was far too close for comfort in the late frames.
Edwin Jackson will take the mound for the Sox today against Carlos Carrasco. Jackson has a stellar record against Cleveland, at 7-1 with a career 2.67 ERA, well below his overall career mark. The challenge for the Sox today will be containing catcher Carlos Santana who looks fully healthy after last year's injury. He burned them yesterday for three hits and a home run, and it will be up to Chicago's pitching staff to prevent him from leading Cleveland's bounceback.
Light showers and temperatures in the low 40's are expected. Today's game will be televised on WGN and STO-HD.