Sean Marshall

Last night the Cubs offense ran into the buzz saw that was Jake Peavy. Tonight they meet the butter tub that is David Wells.

The good news is that they have a secret weapon: Sean Marshall.

Marshall was the great rookie wonder of 2006. Of course, like all the expectations of 2006, he crashed and burned by early September.

Now he is under the new leadership skills of Lou Piniella. He does not have Greg Maddux around for tutelage, but he can probably learn a few things from Ted Lilly.

Marshall looked great early in the year last year, but tired out under the strong arm of Dusty Baker. Piniella appears to have a better understanding of pitching and what true expectations should be.

I may not always agree with how Lou manages, but I cannot fault his knowledge of the game. Sending Neal Cotts to Iowa speaks volumes. So does moving Angel Guzman back to the bullpen.

Game two of an important west coast series is under way. Marshall and company are due. Is the butter tub up to the challenge?