Ted Lilly

The pitching is catching up to the hitting as we get closer to opening day. That’s because teams are sending the poor pitchers away and throwing the hot pitchers every day. Luckily for Cub fans Ted Lilly is among the hot pitchers.

When the Chicago Cub brass announced the signing of Lilly this winter, I was not thrilled. I was not upset, but I wanted the Cubs to chase down a Barry Zito, not a mediocre former phenom. We already have those in Kerry Wood and Mark Prior (and now Marquis).

Lilly has not embarrassed anyone so far this spring. Throwing six shutout innings and giving up only four hits and one walk, Ted has lowered his ERA to a nice 2.75 for the Cactus League.

Wood, who recently wondered aloud what everyone was so concerned about regarding his recent performances, allowed three runs in a single inning of work. Of course, if he were Bob Howry, we would not notice. Considering how little he has pitched in recent years, we care a lot.

Even though the Cubs took it on the chin today, we still can keep our fingers crossed, if not be solidly confident of a great season ahead. Starting pitching is coming together. The bullpen does not look too bad. The hitting, despite today’s troubles, could be nice. If the team could now avoid committing painful errors, we will be ready to fly.

Lilly, who has traveled from Montreal to New York and several other stops, has been touted as a future star by many general managers. Jim Hendry knows Lilly will not climb aboard and be Greg Maddux or Tom Glavine, but if he can deliver twelve to fifteen wins, the fans will be delirious.

So far this spring, it looks like Ted Lilly may be just what the doctor ordered.