No fight when Cubs, Sox share flight to Vegas

Tribune reporter Mark Gonzales contributed to this report.

March 5, 2009

LAS VEGAS — The Cubs and White Sox actually shared a charter airplane from Phoenix to Las Vegas for their two-game spring training "series," one obviously made worth their while financially.

While the players mingled onboard, there were no reports of skirmishes.

"We're here. It was fine," reported Cubs manager Lou Piniella. "Everything went smoothly."

In the first meeting Wednesday night, the Sox won 7-6 with a run in the bottom of the ninth. The teams play again at 3:05 p.m. Thursday.

Not all players may have enjoyed the quick trip to Vegas, but White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen did, having played here when it was home to a Padres' Triple-A franchise.

Guillen came early with his wife.

Asked if he gambled, Guillen replied: "I told my wife, 'Let's go back to the room. With all the money I lost, I'll have to work another year.' "

Pitching in: Jeff Samardzija, who started and gave up three runs on five hits with two hit batters in three innings in Wednesday night's game against the Sox, is still among the pitchers looking to land the fifth spot in the Cubs' rotation.

"We're giving him a chance to compete for a starter's spot," Piniella said. "With [ Ted] Lilly gone [to the WBC] and holding [Rich] Harden back, it gives some young pitchers an excellent opportunity to get a lot of work in and make an impression."

Harden has yet to throw in a spring game as the Cubs rest his troublesome shoulder, but Piniella has encouraging news, courtesy of pitching coach Larry Rothschild.

"Larry told me the other day, [Harden] had the best 'throw day' he has had since he has been here," Piniella said. "He said [Harden] was electric. That's the word he used. The best he has thrown the ball since he has been with us, going back to last year."

It appears Chad Gaudin will drop from the starter's derby and return to the bullpen after he allowed four hits and three runs in three innings Wednesday against Cleveland.

"I would think that he is on the outskirts of that derby," Piniella said. "I think we look at Gaudin more as a spot starter, middle-reliever type."

Good days, Danks: Brothers John and Jordan Danks had memorable Wednesdays.

John pitched three shutout innings against the Cubs, running his spring totals to no runs and no walks in five innings.

"It's not there yet, but I'm not panicking," he said. "The consistency with the cutter and other pitches isn't there yet. … I'm a little further behind than I was last year [at this point]."

Meanwhile, in his first Cactus League game, Jordan, who was drafted last year, had a pair of hits in Phoenix after being called up from the minor-league camp.

Extra innings: Lilly pitched four innings for Team USA in a 6-5 loss to Toronto. He allowed one run, four hits and no walks while throwing 40 pitches. … Mark Buehrle and wife Jamie welcomed a girl, Brooklyn Jayden, on Tuesday. … The Cincinnati Reds have invited President Barack Obama to throw out the ceremonial first pitch June 20 at this year's Civil Rights Game against the White Sox at Great American Ball Park.

dvandyck@tribune.com