Gen Next?

Some high stepping warm ups this morning

Word on the Cubs starting pitchers for the beginning of the Cactus League season is as follows: Thursday’s opener – Randy Wells, Friday – Carlos Zambrano, Saturday – Carlos Silva, Sunday (split squad) – Jeff Samardzija and Tom Gorzelanny with Ryan Dempster on March 8 at Phx Muni against the A’s. It also looks like Piniella might start kid Castro for the Thursday opener at Hohokam.

Many Cub fans are skeptical (with reason) about the team and media hyping or over-hyping young prospects. Touted talents have come and gone without reaching expectations…Bobby Hill, Hee-seop Choi, Corey Patterson, and Felix Pie to name a few. So, I’m hesitant to mention that I heard a Cubs coach call young Starlin Castro, “Star”. This nickname obviously wasn’t pulled out of the air it’s merely the shortened version of the 19 year old shortstop’s name. It did get me to wondering who will be the next young Cubs “Star” that actually lives up to the hyperbole and then mans his position at Wrigley for 10-15 years?

One of the special things about spring training is getting to see these up-and-coming players have an opportunity to play against the big boys, many for the first time. Quite a few of the highly regarded or highly drafted future Cubs are here this spring and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do…Not just Starlin “Star” Castro but, Andrew Cashner, Rafael Dolis, Blake Parker, Brett Jackson, and Josh Vitters among others.

The wondering starts to become reality on Thursday.

Pics from today.

Follow me boys

Starlin Castro

A new TV show? Mad Dog and The Marshall

Biker gang took over one of the Fitch Park bleachers

Teddy was stretching it out during drills