The Cubs and White Sox renew the Crosstown Classic in Cactus League style today as one of 12 Spring Training games on MLB.TV.
This one-time spring matchup between Chicago clubs showcases teams on opposite ends of the spectrum entering the 2017 season. The defending champion Cubs appear loaded to make another run, while the White Sox were the biggest sellers this past offseason, having traded longtime staples Chris Sale and Adam Eaton in moves steering to a substantial rebuild.
Also on Friday, Matt Cain will continue his push to win a Giants rotation spot against the Rockies. And, of course, World Baseball Classic play continues on MLB.TV, where fans can follow much of this spring's action.
MLB.TV Premium is only $112.99 for the entire season. In addition to getting every out-of-market game live or on demand during the regular season, you can watch nearly 300 Spring Training games live and blackout free, plus the World Baseball Classic live (U.S. only). This package has the best value and provides access to more than 400 devices and a free subscription to the MLB.com At Bat Premium app (a $19.99 value). It offers the best picture quality ever -- at 60 frames per second -- for supported devices, while other great features include choice of home or away broadcasts, live game DVR, multi-game viewing and more. Monthly signups for MLB.TV Premium are now underway as well for $24.99, and the MLB.TV Single Team package is also available as an $87.49 yearly subscription.
Here's what to watch for throughout the day (all times ET):
Red Line Series: CHC@CWS, 3:05 p.m., MLB.TV
The White Sox, with their rich pool of raw, young talent, have been among the Cactus League leaders this spring, entering Friday's game 11-8. The club's Opening Day roster will be as much about who isn't there as who will be, with top prospectsYoan Moncada, Michael Kopech and Lucas Giolito expected to start 2017 in the Minors. More >

The Cubs, conversely, are seeking their first three-peat of postseason appearances since 1906-08, when they won their most recent World Series before last fall.
Cain competing for rotation spot: COL@SF, 9:05 p.m., MLB.TV
Cain has been a shell of his former Cy Young Award-caliber self, having battled injuries while experiencing general struggles for the better part of the last four seasons. This spring, he has four no-decisions in three starts, with a 9.58 ERA in 10 1/3 innings. General manager Bobby Evans said Tuesday on the club's flagship radio station, KNBR-AM, that Cain's spring thus far has been "hard to classify." More >

"We've got to break [camp] with the guys we think are going to help us for the whole year," Evans said. "If we have questions about that with Matty, yeah, he could get some starts -- but at the same time, I can't speak to that. I think we just have to wait and see how this spring finishes."
Cain, who is entering the final year of a six-year, $127.5 million contract, is competing for final spot in a loaded Giants rotation with rookie left-hander Ty Blach and righty Tyler Beede.