Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals Series Preview: April 2-April 5
The 2017 Major League Baseball regular season is upon us as the Chicago Cubs kick off their opening series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday night.
Signaling that summer is right around the corner, the 2017 Major League Baseball season is set to open on Sunday night.
The game will feature the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs open their season on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals.
For the Cubs, the off-season did not bring a dramatic change to their World Series’ winning roster. The key departures from the 2016 team were center fielder Dexter Fowler, closer Aroldis Chapman, relief pitcher Travis Wood, backup catcher David Ross, and starting pitcher Jason Hammel. However, the Cubs made several notable additions including veteran outfielder Jon Jay, closer Wade Davis, and starting pitcher Brett Anderson. Not to mention, the Cubs will also have a full-season of Kyle Schwarber.
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For the Cardinals, their biggest addition was Fowler. The Cardinals are hoping that Fowler can bring the same mentality to St. Louis that be had with the Cubs.
The interesting note about the Cubs and Cardinals as they open the regular season against one another is how the roles have changed in the rivalry. For the longest time, it was the Cubs that were paranoid of the Cardinals. The Cardinals were the model franchise in the National League Central Division and the Cubs were playing catch up. Now, the Cardinals are the ones paranoid of the Cubs. A World Series victory and talented roster can certainly do that a team.
A note of caution, no matter what happens during this series, there will be 159 more games to be played. Let’s keep the over-reaction down to a minimum.
Game 1
Date: Sunday, April 2
Time: 7:30 p.m CT
Starting Pitchers: Jon Lester (CHC) vs. Carlos Martinez (STL)
Game 2
Date: Tuesday, April 4
Time: 7:15 p.m CT
Starting Pitchers: Jake Arrieta (CHC) vs. Adam Wainwright (STL)
Game 3
Date: Wednesday, April 5
Time: 12:45 p.m CT
Starting Pitchers: John Lackey (CHC) vs. Lance Lynn (STL)
Next: 5 Bold Predictions for the Chicago Cubs 2017 Season
What are you looking for from the Chicago Cubs as they open the 2017 season on the road against the St. Louis Cardinals?