The good news for the Cubs is that Andrew Cashner pitched well in his season debut. The bad news is he only produced two strikeouts and left the game after 5.1 innings with shoulder soreness.

Evan Longoria’s replacement, Sean Rodriguez, went 1-3 with a home run and a walk.

A trio of left handed starters struggled Tuesday. Cole Hamels pitched 2.2 innings giving up six earned runs with a 3.38 WHIP, J.A. Happ threw four innings giving up seven earned runs with only two K’s and a 3.00 WHIP, and Madison Bumgarner went three IP with a 9.00 ERA and a 2.67 WHIP

Alex Gordon is quietly having a good start to the 2011 season batting .375 with one home run, three RBI and 6 Runs.

Former Padre Chris Young pitched a strong game against the Phillies. Young’s stats were 5.1 IP, one ER and 7 K’s.

Once the NFL lockout is settled, Jeff Samardzija may want to change career paths.

Jhoulys Chacin outdueled Clayton Kershaw in the Rockies series opening win. Chacin went seven innings, gave up five hits and zero runs. Kershaw pitched six innings, gave up three runs and struckout eight.

Catchers to keep an eye on include Russell Martin, Nick Hundley, and Hank Conger.

Andrew Bailey’s replacements Brian Fuentes and Grant Balfour are 0 for two in save opportunities so far this season.

Tyler Colvin got the start at 1B today in place of Carlos Pena (thumb injury), keep an eye out of him gaining multiple position eligibility.

Mark Teixeira thinks its August. He hit his 4th home run.

Seattle Mariners rookie hurler Michael Pineda gave the best starting pitching performance against the Rangers this season. I’m impressed.

Jimmy Rollins looks re-energized and stole his second base of the season.

Derek Lowe had a great start Tuesday with a seven strikeout performance. Opposing pitcher Yovani Gallardo didn’t let the Brewers bullpen ruin his gem. Gallardo pitched a complete game two-hitter. This was the strongest outing of the young season so far.