| Share it

ADVERTISEMENT

March 22, 2007 | Issue 4-17

MESA, Ariz.—Chicago Cubs pitchers are spending extra hours this spring working on new injuries and meticulously perfecting old ones. So far, most pitchers have reported debilitating injuries or at least a moderate amount of pain.

Approaching opening day, several pitchers remain completely healthy, but new Cubs manager Lou Piniella is not concerned. “These guys are pros. Even without Dusty [Baker] pushing them past their limits, they have what it takes to overexert themselves and cause long-term muscle damage, and I am confident they will.”

Kerry Wood and Mark Prior have already announced their intentions to begin the 2007 season on the disabled list after working hard during the off-season to inflame injures sustained over recent years. They have also had time during spring training to help newer Cubs hurlers develop innovative and career-changing injuries.

Piniella hopes his pitchers can come up lame early and often in 2007. “It’s important to have veteran leadership,” said Piniella. “With Kerry [Wood] and Mark [Prior] beginning the year on the DL, I think it really sets a tone for this staff.”

Pitching Coach Larry Rothschild said starting pitcher Rich Hill has already taken four mph off his fastball and complained of tightness and sharp pain in his left arm after working hard in spring training to come up with a motion conducive to arm damage.

“I really want to make my mark this year,” said the 27-year-old Hill. “This spring I just started throwing all sorts of pitches that cause major strain to my arm, and I think I’m finally starting to break through.”

Off-season acquisition Ted Lilly hopes he can live up to the pitching expectations. “Few in baseball have been more disappointment over the past few seasons,” said Lilly of Wood and Prior. “My performance on the mound has never lived up to my potential, but now I think I’m in the right setting to finally take my rightful place on the DL, alongside my talented teammates. A major injury would truly validate me as a top flight Cubs ace.”

Ryan Dempster, a reliable injury risk over the past two seasons, is just beginning to throw off a mound this week. Coming off of a parascapular strain, he is confident he will catch his rhythm and develop a new injury within the month.

“Anytime you have to come back from an injury it’s tough,” said Dempster. “Obviously you just want to re-aggravate it or do something else that gets you back on the sidelines as soon as possible.”

ADVERTISEMENT