Chicago Cubs slate Justin Germano to start Monday’s series opener against Pirates – MLB News
With a lot of buzz about the potential Chicago Cubs’ starter for Monday, the team announced on Sunday, July 29, that Justin Germano will kick off the game. The three-game series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates will be a test of nerves for the newly acquired talented pitcher.
The Cubs are currently sorting out the matter pertaining to the impending Trade Deadline, involving – among others, Ryan Dempster.
Dempster has remained a strong component of team’s rotation and a replacement for him – provided he goes, is ever more needed now.
Germano is one of the pitchers to fill that position. His acquisition came on July 19 when the team got him from the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations. Monday’s opener against Pirates will be an opportunity for the Cubs to assess how far this pitcher can go to strengthen the team’s defence.
Justin is known for his slow curveball and the ability to change speeds. In short, the craftiness that he possesses is not less than a source of awe for many. The team manager shed light on this aspect in good detail.
"He's crafty," Sveum said. "He's not going to light up a radar gun, but he's got great arm speed on all his offspeed pitches and can change speeds on a slow curveball -- anywhere from 68-75, 78 mph curveball, changeup. He sinks the ball, keeps the ball down. He's kind of crafty as much as anything but has command of four pitches."
On the other hand, rumours continue to run wild about the fate of Ryan Dempster whose July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline is a subject to intense discussion. Dale Sveum, while maintaining discreet silence on the issue, said that Tuesday – the Trade Deadline day, will be fine too.
"Well, Tuesday at 3 [p.m. CT] will be fine, too," Sveum said. "Not that I know the time [of the Trade Deadline] or anything."
Everything shall be completely clear by Wednesday when the Deadline has passed. By then, nonetheless, as it seems, the Cubs will have sorted out whatever needs to be done to put things in order without any delay.
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