Sean Marshall taking command in battle for Chicago Cubs' starting role

March 4, 2009

MESA, Ariz. — Sean Marshall may be separating himself from the pack already in the battle for the fifth starter's job.

Marshall, the favorite coming into spring training, threw three hitless innings against Oakland in Tuesday's 6-4 victory at HoHoKam Park, reducing his earned-run average to 1.80.

"He has gotten stronger, more velocity and has as good a curveball as I've seen all spring training," manager Lou Piniella said.

Jeff Samardzija will start Wednesday against the White Sox in Las Vegas but could wind up in the bullpen on Opening Day. Chad Gaudin and Aaron Heilman also are getting starts, though both are pegged to the bullpen unless Marshall or Samardzija falters.

"Let's see how our bullpen stacks up here this spring," Piniella said. "We haven't really taken much of a look at it. I think Samardzija is in the mix for both."

Vegas bound: The Cubs and White Sox will share a plane Wednesday to Las Vegas, where they will play two games.

"[Sox manager Ozzie Guillen] has already left, so I can relax on the plane," Piniella said with a laugh. "I can take a look at the scenery."

Piniella didn't know if the Cubs or Sox players would get to sit up front, but he ribbed Guillen for avoiding the team plane ride to enjoy a day in Vegas with his wife.

"See, I'm a team guy," Piniella said.

Vizcaino debut: Former White Sox reliever Luis Vizcaino made his first appearance Tuesday, throwing one shutout inning. Vizcaino was behind schedule after arriving late to camp because of visa problems.

"[Pitching coach Larry Rothschild] has a schooling program back there every day," Piniella said. "It's like the dog races. You don't get out of the schooling races until you're ready."

Extra innings: The Cubs are scouting Oakland shortstop Bobby Crosby, who suddenly is expendable after the A's signed Orlando Cabrera to play short. The problem is Crosby makes $5.2 million, well above his market value, especially for the utility role he would fill on the Cubs. … Rich Harden will pitch a simulated game Friday. Piniella said he still will get six Cactus League starts. … Kosuke Fukudome will be the starting center fielder against right-handers, though Reed Johnson said he would like to play every day. "I have confidence in [Fukudome]," Piniella said.