Both hits given up by Wells on 2-strike pitches

Samardzija is looking pretty good today. How have his secondary pitches been coming around this spring?

Larry, the Shark has been good one outing then bad the next time out. When he was starting he would have one good inning, then a bad one or two.

The reports are he is working on consistency with his delivery. He was overthrowing his last time out and was rocked.

It is beginning to look like he will begin the year at Iowa as a starter.

I can't help but think, that with his ceiling and his talent keeping him in the rotation is going to be best. I don't have a problem with him starting the season at Iowa. I have heard that one of his biggest problems is that at the moment he is a two pitch pitcher.

From what I understand his third pitch has come along pretty good but when he rushes his delivery and changes his arm slot is when he is getting in trouble.

I just had this thought today: Lou is going to need a sixth starter for Harden on occasion. And that means either Gaudin or Guzman has to make the club, imho. I'm hoping for Guzman.

I know; you want to say that he'd bring up Szamarza, and he might.

Forget Peavy. Too much money.

Ripsnorter...don't forget about Aaron Heilman

Another GREAT THROW by REED!

Reed Johnson brought his cannon to work today.

Dempster's best inning by far. Good control, hit his spots and more importantly only inning he started more than one hitter with a strike

That was Dempster's best pitch of the day...the swinging strike three of Seth Smith

It's good ole GlooRoo

Sharp hit by Miles.

He'll hit and he'll play all over the field.

No. He's not DeRo, but no one else in MLB is either. Miles can play.

Matt, I am beginning to like the Little Dude. He used to get on my nerves but he is a gamer...or what I like to call a 'dirtbag'.

I dig that nickname.

Hope it sticks!

What did he use to do? Or was just that he was a hard out and a Card?

It was the hard out and a Cardinal..

Are you talking about 'Little Dude' or dirtbag?

"Dirtbag"

It sounds so mean, but its affectionate.

We can be like:

"WooHoo!!! The Dirtbag comes through again!"

Matt..we will go with 'Dirtbag' then

A standing triple for Dempster!

Demp's bat is still good today! XD

Awesome!

Great play by Fontenot.

Another leadoff walk hurt Dempster

The HOFF-POWER!!!! 3-run shot, first pitch...

Much better inning for Dempster. Hit his spots.

Great throw by Reed to cut down Helton..

at least it is spring training. That is why I think we need Peavy. I dont think Dempster will put up same numbers, Harden will need days off of his health, Marshall is not consisent. I think Z will put up better numbers and Lilly the same. Also The Cubs need Marshall in the bullpen as a left and a long reliver. They only have one lefty in the bullpen and that is Cotts and he shows me nothing.

Sean Marshall has been the most consistent guy we have had over the past two years.

The numbers are a little higher than what he is capable of. But that is a by product of his splitting time in roles as the long man.

Check out his splits.

Don't take that as me being mean-spirited. But we've gotten pretty much the same thing out of the Marshall since 2006.

That did not look like Ryan Dempster...maybe the closer Dempster, but not the starter. Way too much time in between pitches, no rhythm

Spring or not, Dempster is way off today. Walk and three hits to first four batters. 3-ball counts on three of first four as well. Started 1-0 on three or first four

It sounds like excuse making, but its not.

I hope he was experimenting with something. Although it's unlikely this late in the spring.

30 minute inning. Yuck.

Dempster's off today. Everything low and missing spots badly

Oh snap! Seth Smith!!!!

Someone's watching closely today!!!

It's still early Larry. Give him time. He had an iffy spring last year too.

I hope that doesn't mess with Reed long term. Those beaned wrists can nag on you, I'd imagine.

That Reed is one tough Johnson.

Great line Matt...

Yet sooo easy! =)

What is up with Fukudome? I was thinking/hoping that he would come back this season ready to make a strong contributions to the team. Maybe hit .290 with a little more power than last year. Yet, he isn't showing anything different this year than he did at the end of last year. I don't see how he finds his way onto the team with the kinds of number he keeps putting up.

Larry...Fukudome will make this team. They owe him too much money. From everything I have read/heard he will be given every opportunity to play.

Reed was just hit in the hand/wrist on a pitch up and in from Jimenez...stayed in game.

It's nice to know that we have Soriano, Lee, Bradley and Ramirez on the bench today--in case we need hitters. LOL. Most of the "big people" got in a little work this morning, and they are relaxing or on the golf course back in Mesa.

In addition to a strong outing from D, I sure would like to see Dome get a couple of solid hits. He is the guy I fear won't rise to a level of excellence this year. It is early for him with his delayed start--but he hasn't shown much so far.

With running Cagey Jim's March Madness Pool and another obligation, I will likely miss this game. I'm hoping that Lou will be show-casing a couple of guys that could become parts of a Jeff Baker trade. Go D. Go Cubs. Stay Healthy!!

Jim...I think Jeff Baker has replaced Adam Dunn as a site favorite.

Kosuke walked in his first at bat...good eye, ran it to 3-2, still spinning in the box

Today's lineup:

Miles - SS

Fukudome - CF

Hoffpauir - 1B

Soto - C

Fontenot - 3B

Johnson - RF

Blanco - 2B

Gathright - LF

Dempster - P

Lou Piniella did not make the trip, Cubs.com indicated Piniella was not feeling well.