Cubs Lose: More notes on Outfield Competition

The Cubs lost today 6-5 to the Texas Rangers. They had an early lead, but lost the lead in the top of the 6^th and never got it back. It was John Mabry’s first game as a Cub and he went 1-1 with a double and a walk. Greg Maddux started today and went 2 innings and gave up no hits, but walked 3 batters. Brian Boehringer, who did not pitch last season and just signed recently, had an awful day today. In one inning Brian gave up 4 hits, 3 runs, 1 walk and 2 hr’s, this does not do much for his bid to make the Cubs and if he is bad in any other games I feel he will be released. Former 1^st round pick Bobby Brownlie pitched one inning giving up a run on 2 hits, 0 walks and 0 strikeouts. Bryan Corey also pitched after his disastrous appearance last time and gave up no runs this time, but still gave up a hit and a walk which probably will spell the end of him in a Cub uniform. Eric Patterson also got to make an appearance at 2b today and went 1-2, there is no chance for him to make the team, but it is nice to see him get a few at-bats this spring training.

The Outfield Competition:

Angel Pagan played again today and went 2-3 with 2 doubles. I know it is still very early in spring training, but Angel is putting on a nice display of hitting and hopefully opening up Dusty’s eyes as he would be better than Marquis Grissom.

Marquis Grissom started the game at DH (Angel actually replaced him) and went 1-2 and was caught stealing by Laird in the 2^nd. Marquis getting a hit only increases his chances of making the Cubs as he is one of Dusty’s boys.

Restovich came in for RF Jacque Jones and went 1-3 with a HR. If Angel Pagan does not make the team, I am hoping the Cubs pick Restovich over Grissom. I think his power off the bench could be much more helpful than Grissom’s .533 OPS. he had last season.