Jeff Samardzija, Cubs win home spring opener
BY GORDON WITTENMYER gmittenmyer@suntimes.com February 24, 2013 9:59PM
Chicago Cubs' Jeff Samardzija warms up for a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Article Extras
Updated: March 26, 2013 9:49AM
CUBS 4,
GIANTS 3
DODGEBALL: Opening Day candidate Jeff Samardzija dodged a pair of shots back to the mound, including a second-inning liner by Guillermo Quiroz that might have singed his flapping locks as he twisted out of the way. “Both of them were about as close as you can get,’’ said Samardzija, who a few days earlier nearly got smacked by teammate Darwin Barney’s one-hop shot during batting practice. “After the second time, I went out there and asked him where the magnet was,’’ catcher Dioner Navarro said. Samardzija otherwise turned in two strong innings in his spring debut.
GARZA WATCH: One week after right-hander Matt Garza strained his left lat, the Cubs still haven’t scheduled his next throwing session. Pitching coach Chris Bosio said they’re still waiting for medical clearance and don’t feel the need to rush. Said manager Dale Sveum: “The good thing is it was what it was, and now it just keeps getting better every day.”
LINE ’EM UP: In the Cubs’ spring home opener Sunday, the top four spots in the order belonged to David DeJesus, Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo and Alfonso Soriano. That’s how Sveum plans to bat them entering the regular season.
ON DECK: at Dodgers, Glendale, 2:05 p.m., Carlos Villanueva vs. Chad Billingsley.
Gordon Wittenmyer
