Wrigley Field gets extreme makeover

The Cubs may not be in great shape down 2-0 heading into today's crucial Game 3, but the playing surface in the Wrigley Field outfield sure is.

Or at least it looks that way.

After hearing complaints from players all year -- such as Cincinnati outfielder Adam Dunn calling the outfield "dangerous" and "like a parking lot" after teammate Ken Griffey Jr. got hurt, head groundskeeper Roger Baird and the Cubs went to work on it during the final week of the season.

Baird and Co. spent a full three days tearing up the old grass in the outfield and completely resodding it.

In addition, they resodded much of the area in foul territory, so it should look sterling when the TBS cameras pan the field this weekend.

And when they do, they'll also see some other sights around Wrigley. They'll see signage on the cushioned walls beyond both bullpens. They'll see the usual bunting not only in the park but also on some of the rooftops as well.

And finally, they'll see the Miller Lite sign on Sheffield read in big letters: "The great taste of Games 1,2 & 3," then continue on in much smaller letters: "and 4 & 5 if necessary."

Kendall to catch Game 3: The Cubs will start Jason Kendall at catcher tonight in Game 3 against Arizona, manager Lou Piniella announced Friday without elaboration.

Rookie Geovany Soto got the nod in Games 1 and 2. He's had more success throwing out potential base-stealers this season and also provided 40 percent of the Cubs' offense in Arizona with his 2-run homer in the second inning of Game 2.

The feeling may be that the Diamondbacks won't run wild on the bases tonight with left-hander Rich Hill on the mound.

The D'backs also figure to change catchers in Game 3. Chris Snyder started the first two contests, but starter Livan Hernandez typically throws to backup Miguel Montero, who hit .224 with 10 home runs this season.

D'-backs like it loud: The Cubs are counting on a homefield advantage as the series shifts to Chicago. But the Diamondbacks expressed no worries about frenzied fans at Wrigley Field and even promised to enjoy the noise.

"It's going to be a fun atmosphere," catcher Chris Snyder said. "We thrive off that. We enjoy playing in front of that kind of crowd and that atmosphere. I think anybody would thrive on that."

"The stadium is going to be packed and crazy and people screaming," Livan Herandez said. "I think it's great for baseball. I love it."

Pinella smells success: Manager Lou Piniella was asked if he'd consider this a successful season if the Cubs don't rally to win three straight against Arizona.

"Look, this team finished last in the division last year, had the most losses in the National League, and here we are in the postseason in one year," he answered. "If that's not a success, well, I really don't know what is."

The Cubs had a 19-game improvement this year, rising from 66 to 85 wins.

Hill stays himself: Rich Hill had a colorful way of saying he needs to take the mound in Game 3 and be himself.

"All of the sudden, I'm not going to turn into Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan is not going to show up and start pitching the game for me," he said. "It's going to be the same guy that's been going out there all season long."

Rare rookie slugger: Catcher Geovany Soto was just the second Cubs rookie to hit a home run in the postseason. He joined Frank Demaree, who went deep for a 3-run homer in the 1932 World Series against the Yankees.