Harden impresses; Cubs rotation taking shape

Rich Harden impressed in his first spring outing. In addition to the strong numbers for two innings of work, he snared a line drive just to the left of his head off the bat of Franklin Gutierrez.

Harden allowed two hits while striking out one, throwing 17 of his 25 pitches for strikes. Manager Lou Piniella announced before the game that Harden would be his No. 4 starter, pitching April 10 in Milwaukee.

The rotation is rounding into shape, with Ted Lilly as No. 3 and Sean Marshall likely in the fifth hole. Piniella said he would skip the fifth starter because of a day off in the first week, saving Marshall for the opening of the St. Louis series April 16 at Wrigley Field. Marshall can be available out of the bullpen the first week, assuming he's named the starter.

The only other question is who will be the Opening Day starter April 6 in Houston. Piniella has spoken to Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano, and both have said they would like to pitch that day.

"Me and Zambrano don't even talk anymore," Dempster deadpanned. "Actually, I'm just kind of digging this middle-relief role."

Sounds like Dempster is confused with his former self! The Cubs rotation is good if Harden can stay strong for 20-25 starts this year. It's even better if he's strong enough down the stretch. Jeff Samardzija would probably end up in the Cubs' bullpen, so if Harden misses any time this year a minor leaguer would need to fill out the rotation.