Cubs making their last trip to Rangers' Globe Life Park
ARLINGTON, Texas - The Cubs don't get to Texas much because the Rangers are in the American League, but this will be their last visit to Globe Life Park, which opened in 1994.
The Rangers are moving into new Globe Life Field, their $1.1 billion retractable-dome stadium, next season.
At one point, the current park, formerly known as the Ballpark in Arlington, was considered a showpiece, with its unique Texas feel, the office building beyond center field and the home run "porch" in right field, a feature similar to that of old Tiger Stadium in Detroit.
Cubs manager Joe Maddon has come to the ballpark a lot over the years, mostly in role as former manager of the Tampa Bay Rays.
"The first year was '94 and that was my first year in the big leagues (with the Angels)," he said. "So I do remember it from then, and it was like the jewel kind of a thing.
"It is kind of strange. I can understand why you'd want to have a roof here, but they should have done it in the first place. I'm such a fan of going to Europe and (in) countries, things last for a very long period of time. Wrigley Field has lasted a long period of time. There's nothing wrong with this facility other than it gets hot in here a little bit. But that's up to them. That's not my call.
In 2007, the Cubs were at this ballpark when their former star Sammy Sosa hit his 600th career home run, as a member of the Rangers.
Rosario's big day:
Much was made of infielder David Bote and outfielder Mark Zagunis making their first opening-day rosters. But Thursday also was a big day for reliever Randy Rosario, who made his first opening-day roster and got into the Cubs' 12-4 victory over the Rangers. He struck out two of the three batters he faced.
"I was super excited," he said. "This Opening Day, I got a dream and made it come true. I was really excited about it. "I was waiting for this moment for a long time. I said, 'OK. Now it's my time.' Everything was good."
Rosario was recalled five times from Class AAA Iowa last year and was an unsung here of the bullpen. He appeared in 44 games, going 4-0 with a 3.66 ERA and 1 save.
"You know what? I was doing my job," he said. "Every time they put me in the game, I was trying to do my job and get better every outing."
Rotation roulette:
Cole Hamels starts Sunday's series finale for the Cubs. Kyle Hendricks pitches Monday night in Atlanta. He'll be followed in the rotation by opening-day starter Jon Lester and Yu Darvish. No. 5 starter Jose Quintana worked 4 innings in Saturday night's 8-6 loss to the Rangers. He will pitch in Friday night's series opener at Milwaukee, a matchup the Cubs like.