Today at 1:00 p.m. the idea of hope springing eternal will be alive and well at PNC Park, where Jeff Samardizja (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will take the mound for the Chicago Cubs, who are expected to be in rebuilding mode all season, against Francisco Liriano (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Watch the Opening Day action on ESPN or live stream it free here. Cubs faithful can tune in to the radio broadcast on WGN 720, while Pirates fans may do the same on KDKA-FM 93.7.
The Pirates finally cracked their lengthy playoff drought last season, and even thought they were bounced after a single game there's a ton of optimism heading into 2014. According to the skipper, that hunger has only intensified after a taste of the postseason.
"I feel very confident about the hunger in the room, the focus on getting better," manager Clint Hurdle said. "These guys work hard and they have a lot of fun. It's a unique combination to be a part of."
One big reason for the high hopes is their returning National League MVP Andrew McCutchen. Last season he absolutely raked, batting .317 with 21 home runs, 84 RBI, and 27 stolen bases.
Another source of hope is today's starter Liriano, who made one of the biggest career turnarounds in recent memory in 2013. He began the year as an afterthought, but put together a 16-8 campaign with a 3.16 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. "It's an honor," Liriano said of kicking off the year on the mound. "I just want to stay calm and try to go as deep in the game as I can."
Very few expect the Cubbies to do much this season as they focus on the development of prospects, but this will be a big year for Samardizja. He can transform into an elite pitcher if he cuts down his free passes; in 2013 he was 8-13 with a 4.34 ERA, but he piled up 214 strikeouts and made 33 starts.
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