So Far So Good: Cubs Starters Looking Good In Arizona

Spring training is just that, it's training for the regular season. It's extremely difficult to get a good read on pitchers in Arizona as pitchers are much more focused on command. 

It's typical to see quality starters ERA elevate during the spring. That said, the Cubs starters are off to a very good start.

Carlos Zambrano made his first start of the spring yesterday and looked very sharp. The 27-year old pitched two hitless innings while striking out three.

Zambrano's fastball had a lot of pop to it, and he showed no effects of last year's minor shoulder strain. 

Before heading off to the World Baseball Classic, Ted Lilly threw two scoreless innings.  Lilly is slated to be the No. 3 starter for the USA team behind Jake Peavy and Roy Oswalt. 

Coming off a 17-win season, Ryan Dempster is once again in great shape. Dempster allowed three unearned runs over two innings during his first start. Most importantly, Dempster looked comfortable on the mound. 

Duplicating last year's season may be difficult, but Dempster believes he is capable of having a better season. He says he is in the best shape of his life.

Rich Harden won't pitch in a live game for at least seven days, but the important thing is Harden is healthy. He is throwing, but the Cubs have him on a slower workout pace. 

It's hard to argue with that decision with Harden's past injuries. Let's just hope we don't hear the words, "We are going to shut him down for a while."

Sean Marshall took another step towards winning the No. 5 spot this afternoon, as he threw three perfect innings, striking out one.  The 26-year old has looked very sharp this spring.

However, Aaron Heilman and Jeff Samardzija are putting pressure on Marshall. Heilman threw two perfect innings on Saturday, striking out four. Samardzija has allowed two runs, but was clocked in the upper-90's last week. 

There's no doubt that Samardzija will eventually be a starter, but right now he's a few steps behind Marshall. That said, Samardzija has another month to win a starting spot. 

It's very difficult to measure a pitcher's performance during the spring. The most important thing is health and command.  

Avoiding the following words and phrases is always a good thing during the spring. 

"We're going to push him back,  his velocity is down, he's suffering some shoulder discomfort, elbow tightness, and we're going to send him home for some precautionary tests."

Regardless of the results this spring, it will be a successful spring training for Cubs pitchers if we don't hear those words from Lou Piniella or Larry Rothschild.