The Cubs have lost six in a row. What does it mean?

There may be no such thing as a must-win game before St. Patrick's Day, but Monday's game against the Royals may be the next-closest thing for the Cubs.

But, Lou, spring training records are meaningless, right?

"Look, spring training wins and losses don't mean anything," Piniella said. "But you don't want to get in the habit of getting your [butts] kicked every day either. That I can tell you, and that's exactly what's happening here."

And so at HoHoKam Park in Mesa today Lou puts the [butts] of Chad Gaudin and Jeff Samardzija on the line to stave off Cactus League elimination.

Brian Bannister and Luke Hochevar will pitch for the Royals, along with relievers Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta.

Broadcast: the Royals radio network, MLB.com, and XM Radio channel 178.

MLB Gameday: here

Last year: the Cubs won both meetings with the Royals in Arizona. March 9: Brett Tomko and Leo Nunez were both shelled. Cubs, 13-1. March 18: Le Canadien Mark Teahen went 3 for 4 with 2 doubles, but Joakim Soria gave up the tying and winning runs in the bottom of the 9th. Cubs, 6-5.