There is a Fourth Starter, and Rich Harden is Hurt

Now that the NCAA tourney is taking a few days off, the Cubs are back on my radar. The biggest news isn't really that shocking of news: Sean Marshall will be the final member of the starting rotation. It's almost impossible to argue with Lou Pinella on this one, Marshall has been good all spring going 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA. Aaron Heilman was his only true competition, and he has also had a solid spring, but his services will be needed in the bullpen (more on that crisis tonight). I really like Sean Marshall and if he can stay healthy I think he will prove to be a reliable starter over the course of the season. 

In other shocking news Rich Harden is hurt. The Cubs can fling this "flu" crap at me all they want, but the fact is Harden has a tear in his shoulder. He had it coming into spring training and it isn't going anywhere. Instead of just stepping up and admitting that Harden's shoulder won't be ready for opening day, this flu thing will be used as an excuse for Harden missing the first few trips around the rotation. I'm still pissed about the Wood and Prior lies that Jim Hendry and the Cubs told, and last year Wood's blister became a lie, and now this year we get to deal with Rich Harden lies. Honestly I don't care if Harden is too hurt to pitch at the start of the season. His value is in August, September, and October. His health will not affect the Cubs making or not making the playoffs. 

One final note, the backup third base spot will most likely belong to Mike Fontenot. He got a start at third the other day, and Lou seems to have faith in Fontenot's ability to play third for small periods of time. I have no problem with this plan for the occasional Sunday off, but when the annual Aramis muscle pull happens in late July Fontenot/Miles can't fill the need for three weeks. Hopefully before the trading deadline Hendry will address this issue. Corey Koskie would have been a nice addition, but obviously he made the right decision and retired instead of risking permanent damage to himself.