Cubs Bats Are Hot, Rumors, and More

First of all, don't forget about the chat tomorrow night on this blog at 6 PM CT. Scoll down on the blog main page for more info. Be sure to read the Other Cubs Notes at the bottom of the post. Lots of good stuff today!

Cubs Starting Line-up Hitting:
Miles: 2-3
Theriot: 1-3, RBI
Hoffpauir: 0-3
J. Fox: 1-4, 2 Runs
Fontenot: 1-3, Run, RBI
R. Johnson: 0-3
Deeds: 4-5, 2 Runs, 2 RBI
Hill: 2-4, RBI, Run
Taguchi: 1-3, Run, 2 RBI

Lots off hitting today even though the "star" hitters were not playing. Doug Deeds got a start and had a great day at the plate. Fontenot is now hitting .364, and Theroit's average is up to .458.

Cubs Pitchers:
Harden: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 K, 0 ER
Dempster: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 K 0 ER
Heilman: 3 IP, 2 H, 5 K, 1 ER
Ascaino: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 K, 0 ER

The big story is Rich Harden. He did not allow a run in his first Cactus League outing. Ryan Dempser, Aaron Heilman, and Jose Ascaino all also pitched well.

Cubs Off the Bench:
Rivas: 1-2
Blanco: 1-2
Dubois: 0-2
Scales: 1-2
Fuld: 1-2, RBI, Run
M. Johnson: 0-1
Robnet: 0-1, BB

Game Highlight: Cubs pitchers did not allow a single walk all game. Great to see!

My Player of the Game: Rich Harden for pitching well, and Doug Deeds for his 4 hits and 2 RBIs.

Up Next: The Cubs will take the day off tomorrow, and then play Team Japan in a practice game for the WBC on Thursday. Kosuke Fukudome might play in the game for Japan.
Carlos Zambrano will pitch for the Cubs Thursday.

Other Cubs Notes:

• Lou Piniella gave Kosuke the heads up that he will likely be batting 2nd for the Cubs. This shocks me!
• Corey Koskie is expected to join the Cubs on Thursday.
• The Cubs will make a decision about the Opening Day starter soon. It is between Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano.
• Both Zambrano and Dempster want to get the start on Opening Day against the Astros.
• The Cubs plan to skip the 5th starter in the rotation the first time around.
• Paul Sullivan reports that Luis Vizcaino is in danger of losing a bullpen spot.
• If Jeff Samardzija is not in the rotation, he will likely be in the pen.
• Jason Waddell has a good shot at winning the final spot instead of Vizcaino.
• Milton Bradley has made some comments about the rangers. Click here for MLBTR article.
• Len Kapser recently talked with Jeff Samardzija.
• Today MLB Network aired the Cubs addition of "30 Clubs in 30 Days". They will replay it tonight at midnight, tomorrow at 5 AM, tomorrow at 7 AM, and again at 3:30 PM. I will right a recap of it when I get a chance to watch it (it's recorded on my DVR).
• On Saturday WGN-TV in Chicago will be airing "A Cubs Fantasy: A Week At the Randy Hundley Camp" at 6:30.

I'll post the Chat box tonight, please start sending in your questions and comments. They will be answered on the live chat tomorrow night at 6:00.