Cubs Likely Without Lilly for First Month of Season

According to a report from ESPN Chicago, Ted Lilly will probably miss the first month of the season.

The Cubs were hoping to get Ted Lilly back around the second week of the season. Lilly's two setbacks since pitchers and catchers reported on February 17 have more than likely pushed the timetable back a couple of weeks.

Following practice on Saturday Lou Piniella told the media, "We weren't going to push him anyway. He came out here and got a little throwing in yesterday. I really haven't pressed Larry for any details. He's going to miss the first two weeks. Probably the first month of the season."

Ted Lilly did not argue with Piniella's analysis.

As has been expected with Lilly on the shelf for probably the first month of the season, Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, Jeff Samardzija and Carlos Silva are among the candidates for the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation.

Another pitcher to keep an eye on is Thomas Diamond ... the mainstream media has lost track of the former first round pick. The once highly touted prospect has the stuff to push for a spot in the backend of the Cubs' rotation, if he is healthy.

Stay Tuned ...

Bryan

Am looking forward to Play Ball in April. Was able to get tixs to the 3 games in the initial series here in Atlanta.

SuzyS

It's really not surprising mainstream media hasn't picked up on Diamond yet.

His numbers are uninspiring.

But most of that has been due to health issues including TJ surgery a few years ago.

But he showed well in winter ball and has been totally healthy since the Cubs picked in up in September.

I've been told he has better stuff than

"Z"...but had some control issues last year...coming back from the previous year's TJ surgery.

With Maddux in camp...he might help Diamond become the Ace he was projected to be when he was the #10 pick in the draft.

I hope the Cubs take it slow with Lilly.

If they do it right...Lilly might actually be a lot stronger...with a fresher arm late in the season...if we can stay in comtention....

(A blessing in disguise...if you will.)