[bears9]

MESA, Ariz. -- A day after revealing his Opening Day pitcher and the top four spots in the rotation, Cubs manager Lou Piniella stopped just short Friday of saying left-hander Sean Marshall was his fifth starter.

Piniella stressed he prefers to delay that announcement for at least another week.

No matter, the smart money continues to be on Marshall, who made his fourth Cactus League start, holding the Seattle Mariners to one unearned run and three hits in 4 1/3 innings. In 13 1/3 Cactus League innings, Marshall has struck out eight, walked one and has a 0.68 ERA.

Marshall looking good :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs

[Full Cougar]

If I were Lou I would wait to disclose that too. However I think it is likely Sean Marshall will be the fifth starter.

[bears9]

Here's my thing about Sean Marshall, when he came up three years ago he looked really good, then the next couple years after that he was supposed to be getting over the hump and becoming really good, he hasn't. Last year he was in Triple-A or the bulpen most of last year, I don't know if he'll ever get over that hump

[Full Cougar]

If you think he came up good in '06 then I'm not sure what hump you are reffering to. It seems he is only getting better as he goes on.

2006-
ERA- 5.59
Losses- 9

2007-
ERA- 3.92
Losses- 8

2008-
ERA- 3.86
Losses- 5

[bears9]

It must've been 2007 I was thinking off oh well, just watching him he's seem platued, he just hasn't gotten better, I'm not really sold on him as our 5th starter

[Full Cougar]

Who else would you consider at the 5 spot then? Heilman?