Final Cubs Starting Spot Is Sean Marshall's to Lose

Four candidates are battling for the Cubs final rotation spot, but Sean Marshall appears to have a leg up on Chad Gaudin, Jeff Samardzija, and Aaron Heilman.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella spoke very highly of Marshall yesterday.

"I like Marshall a lot.  He's always done what the organization wanted, and he's improving.  He gotten stronger, and I feel extremely comfortable with him as my number five starter," said Cubs third year manager Lou Piniella. 

In 2008, Marshall was called upon to do a little of everything.  The 26-year old  appeared in 34 games.  Marshall was  3-5 with a 3.86 ERA.  Marshall started just 7 games.

In 2007, Marshall started 19 games going 7-8 with a very respectable 3.92 ERA.  Marshall doesn't have great stuff, but he gets hitters out. 

He's given up three or less runs in 20 of his last 26 starts.  Those are better then average numbers for any number five starter.

Chad Gaudin and Jeff Samardzija appear to be Marshall's greatest competition. 

Filling in for Rich Harden, Gaudin had a impressive 2007 season.  The 26-year old started 34 games, going 11-13, with a 4.43 ERA while throwing 199 innings.

Before moving back to the pen in 2008, Gaudin went 3-1 with a 3.00 ERA as a starter.  With a 14-14 career record as a starter, Gaudin makes a serious case for the No. 5 spot. 

Jeff Samardzija was very successful out of the pen in 2008, going 2-1 with one save.  The Cubs believe the former Notre Dame wide receiver will eventually start. 

Samardzija needs to master a third pitch before becoming a starter.  The Cubs will stretch him out this spring, and they plan to give him every opportunity to win the No. 5 spot. 

The Cubs insist that Aaron Heilman is in the mix for the No. 5 spot.  I will believe it when I see it.  The former No. 5 pick hasn't started since 2005. He has a career record of 4-13 as a starter. 

Heilman has fared much better as a relief pitcher, and I would be shocked if he opens the season as the Cubs No. 5 starter.

When it's all said and done, the number five spot will go to either Marshall or Gaudin.  It appears Marshall is the front-runner.