Watch: MLB.com, YouTube
Lineup:
.@LGio27 is back on the mound, and you can watch it LIVE on https://t.co/7BJfvYnJPR, YouTube and Facebook (FB stream in-market only).
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) March 22, 2021
📍 Camelback Ranch (Glendale, AZ)
⏰ 3:05 p.m. CT
💻 https://t.co/xff4H1y7EJ pic.twitter.com/TNZwEE853H
That the closest thing to the opening day lineup we’ve seen this spring?
There have been a few games with mostly regulars, but since Grandal hasn’t been available until recently, this might be it. We know La Russa said he likes a switch hitter batting 4th (anyone ever hear why?), and he mentioned Moncada specifically for 4th, so this is probably what he’s thinking. I might swap Vaughn/Eaton and maybe Robert/Grandal right now, but if Robert hits his potential, second will be the perfect spot for him.
Rich King: “I don’t expect Tim Anderson to hit .205.”
Anderson promptly hits a leadoff homer.
Moncada doubles. With Robert’s lineout, they are squaring up Gausman nicely.
And Eloy homers. 3-0 in the first.
Even Grandal’s inning-ending liner was hit hard. Good first inning for the Sox.
Great to see some power as they get closer to the season. The power for the regulars has been surprisingly dormant so far this spring.
Seeing the starters hit Gausman is most of what I want to see out of this game (other than no injuries). This is encouraging, unless you are a Giants fan.
EXTRA BASE HIT BY NICK MADRIGAL
Which led Kapler to immediately pull Gausman.
Gotta keep track of a new statistic: Madrigal Extra base pitcher hooks. MEXPH.
Am I the only one annoyed by how often this broadcast duo makes mention of the Cubs? Not just today either. While Len has a good excuse, I hope this isn’t something I’m expected to get used to. Rich is such a nice guy but he also brings them up regularly no matter who he’s paired with. I guess he has an excuse as well. I’m just venting and wondered if anyone felt the same mild annoyance at that.
As long as it’s relevant to their conversation, it doesn’t bother me. At least today it was relevant a couple of times. Rich mentioned stopping ouside the radio booth at Wrigley to hear Vin Scully when they were discussing Scully. Len mentioned Kris Bryant as a guy he saw who hit 3 HRs and 2 doubles in a game when King brought up seeing someone do that (maybe Stargell?). I don’t know King’s broadcast history, but Len’s worked so long for the Cubs that any time he wants to reference something during a game he called, it will probably be about the Cubs or their opponent that day.