Bucs Open Wrigley Against Cubs, Nova v Chatwood & Notes: Bucs Lose Rivero, Pick Up Vazquez

Today: This is the Cubbies Home Opener at Wrigley with first pitch at 2:20. The game will be on AT&T SportsNet, 93.7 The Fan and shown out-of-market by MLB Network. This is yesterday's redo, as the winter weather continues to follow the Buccos. On the bright side, the team is getting proficient at snowball tossing.

Lineup: Josh Harrison 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Starling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Corey Dickerson LF, Fran Cervelli C, Colin Moran 3B, Jordy SS & Ivan Nova P. Clint is sticking with the old dependable.

Pitchers: RHP Ivan Nova (0-1/6.10) v RHP Tyler Chatwood (0-1/1.50). Ivan hasn't been very sharp in his first two outings. He has been solid against the Cubs, going 2-1/4.09 v the Baby Bears in four career starts with 22 K in 22 IP and a 1.000 WHIP, his Achilles Heel being five long balls surrendered. Chatwood, who spent five years with Colorado, is the fifth Chicago starter, but may be a guy to watch. He posted a 5.17 ERA at Coors Field but that number was 3.18 on the road, so he may be a tosser with a Mile-High split personality. He's faced the Pirates twice, with no decisions in a pair of starts with a 1.50 ERA, so he's been strong against the local gang.

Notes:

• This is Nova's second on-the-road Home Opener in three starts; both have been pushed back because of weather. Kinda strange, but the White Sox across town played their game yesterday.
• Change in the scorecard: Felipe Rivero has legally changed his last name to Vázquez, the last name of his sister, Prescilla as first reported by @BloomPG. 
• Chicago of Loyola's good luck charm, Sister Jean, was at the game and tossed out the first pitch.
• Feather in the cap: Jameson Taillon was named National League Player of the Week. In games against the Twins & Reds last week, he tossed 14-1/3 IP, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out 16.
• The Pirates are one of four teams to get at least five innings from their starting pitcher in every game this year.
• Pittsburgh won seven of their first nine games for the first time since 1993.
• Anthony Rizzo is out for the series; he's had back soreness and was placed on the 10-day DL.