Chicago Cubs like what they see from Rich Harden so far

Rich Harden pitched in what manager Lou Piniella refers to as an "assimilated game" Friday and is to make his Cactus League debut Tuesday in Peoria, Ariz.

[CubsFan]

Wow. Another pitcher for the Cubs who has to be held back in the spring. Another story for some writer to sap the drama out of it, as if the whole season is riding on it. What a bunch of old news. Prior, Wood and now Harden. Who Cares?! If Harden goes to throw his fast ball and his arm ends up in the third row behind home plate, then someone else will pitch in his spot. I refuse to fall for this scam anymore.

[matt]

hey has anyone talked about batting soriano down in the order? i think that should be discussed.

[Stratmaster]

"assimilated" game? That is priceless. Her I wondered what we were going to do for comic relief once Bush was gone, and Piniella steps in with "assimilated" game. beautiful!

[Sebman]

I wonder if Cleveland is doing a Wood Watch? Or did they realize some things are more important?

[Mandy]

Lou calls a simulated game an assimilated game. The VODKA is really beginning to take a toll on him. No way he sees the month of August from the cub dugout. He'll be in a twelve step program by then. Bye-bye, Lou.

[eric]

it sounds like it was the writer, not pinella. stop hating, go out and make some stories for yourself you lame kids. all this negativity dang.

[Kelly Davis]

All this hand wringing over getting Harden his rest, when the answer is as obvious as the moustache on Big Z's face; Just make him the 5th starter. The rest is built in. Especially early in the season. Then, later in the season, if the race is close, you can put him back in regular rotation (every 5th day) if need be. He'll still get 25 (or so) starts, the "target" number for him. And, be fresh (as possible) for Sept/Oct.

[Mandy]

eric wrote:

it sounds like it was the writer, not pinella. stop hating, go out and make some stories for yourself you lame kids. all this negativity dang.

It was the drunk, Lou.

[Stratmaster]

eric wrote:

it sounds like it was the writer, not pinella. stop hating, go out and make some stories for yourself you lame kids. all this negativity dang.

Hey, I wasn't hating. I like Lou. i just thought it was pretty funny.

[Tommy Boy Hendry]

Golly guys... I think all really like Rich, and he is working really hard. We are expecting big things from him this season. Right now our staff is telling us to take it slow (and our medical staff has never steered us wrong in these circumstances before).

I know Paulie called it a "simulated" game, I don't know why he would call it that. Rich was performing the towel drill. Our trainers feel real good about this drill as guys like Wood and Prior enjoyed so much success doing it.

And don't worry, I'll keep the rubes in the Trib sports department throwing out the Peavy rumors every few days or so.