These two teams enter this match with rather different motivation and expectations. Houston are opening the season with Texas tomorrow and they are just trying to finish off what has been a gruelling pre-season, made a bit longer due to the World Baseball Clasic. Chicago are fielding Travis Wood on the mound and the following 9:
| dejesus |
| castro |
| rizzo |
| soriano |
| schierholtz |
| castillo |
| valbuena |
| barney |
| hairston |
These 9 combine for .734 On Base + Slugging (OPS), which is just around the Cubs OPS average this spring season (.768).
On the other hand Houston, besides the pitcher Brad Peacock, are fielding the following hitters:
| crowe |
| correa |
| singleton |
| laird |
| jd martinez |
| springer |
| jaramillo |
| santana |
| deshields |
Of these nine only 4 have at bats at the Major league levels and their combined MLB regular season OPS is 0.638. This is far below the average Houston posted this spring (.807). Given the fact that they won't be trying to do too much today i dont expect any of their first team members to appear.
The pitcher comaprison looks the same. Houston post a pitcher with 11.0 innings of experience in the big leagues against a veteran with 364.66 IP in the Majors.
TIP: At odds of 2.00 the Chicago Cubs are a clear banker.
Result: LOST
