In keeping with our earlier comments on the Cubs lineup, there are few surprises here, and several issues. This lineup is for a right-handed Pittsburgh starter, but it may as well be an everyday lineup and it is likely to be so in the short run.
No problem with Fukudome and Castro batting first and second. Byrd is a problem in the three hole and will be over the long haul against right-handers. Ramirez and Pena are no surprise, nor is Soto in the sixth slot. A little surprising to see Soriano batting seventh, but that is where he belongs. Actually he belongs in the dugout against righties, but that is a bit more to hope for at this stage of the season. Barney is kind of a surprise starter though he hit well in spring training. It looks as if Baker will "platoon" with him at second base, though it is weird in itself to have a righty-righty platoon.
This lineup is short at least one and really two left-handed batters, so it will be interesting to see if they can generate runs. They ought to be good enough to beat the Pirates, but you never know. Last year the Pirates killed them.
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