Today, I'd like to see Randy Wolf bounce back and have a nice outing to assuage my fears about him getting off to a slow start.
Really, though, it'd just be nice if everyone stayed healthy for once.
Follow the jump for today's pitching matchup, lineup and more!
Matt Cain (3.14 ERA, 3.65 FIP) is starting for the Giants today for the first time in a couple of weeks. He skipped his last two turns with elbow inflammation. As such, this is only his second Cactus League outing: He pitched two scoreless innings in his last start.
Because Cain has missed time with elbow issues, it's hard to tell what to expect from him today. Over the course of his career, though, he's thrown a low 90's fastball with a relatively even mix of sliders, curves and changes. All four pitches were above average in 2010, with the fastball and curve both above +1 run per 100.
Cain did not face the Brewers in 2010, but did match up against them three times in 2009, posting a 3.43 ERA with eight walks and 19 strikeouts in 21 innings.
He'll face Randy Wolf (4.17 ERA, 4.85 FIP in 2010), who could really use a strong outing. He's making his third start of the spring today and each of the previous two have ended early. Through three Cactus League innings he's sporting a 30.00 ERA, and has walked four while striking out just one.
Despite having pitched just three innings, Wolf leads all Brewers with ten runs allowed this spring and is tied for second with four walks.
Maybe facing the Giants will help him get back on track. He pitched against them twice last season and allowed just one earned run in 16 innings, walking six and striking out 14. Wolf shut them out on three hits on September 17.
Adam McCalvy is reporting that Carlos Gomez is sitting out today's game with a stiff back. Brandon Boggs will start in center instead. With that change noted, here's today's lineup:
Brandon Boggs CF
Craig Counsell SS
Ryan Braun LF
Prince Fielder 1B
Mark Kotsay DH
George Kottaras C
Luis Cruz 2B
Chris Dickerson RF
Zelous Wheeler 3B
Also, McCalvy reports that Mark Rogers is expected to make his spring debut today.
Weather
It's hot out in Phoenix once again today. The Weather Channel is predicting a game time temp of around 80, climbing to 86 as the afternoon goes along.
Coverage
Today's game will be broadcast on WTMJ and available over the internet via Gameday Audio.
Enjoy the game!