The Cubs aren't wasting any time getting their first look at top prospect Starlin Castro in a game this spring. Manager Lou Piniella said he might lead off with the 19-year-old shortstop in Thursday's opener.
``I'm anxious to see the kid myself,'' Piniella said. ``He handles himself very professionally for a young kid out here, he really does. He's calm. He's not awed by being here. He's relaxed. He's not starry-eyed. If you didn't know he was 19 years old, you couldn't guess he was 19.''
Castro isn't realistically playing for a job in camp. He's projected to open the season as AAA Iowa's starting shortstop. But how he looks in these games will have a bearing on whether the Cubs feel comfortable calling him up during the season if Ryan Theriot gets hurt, Piniella said.
Other camp news today:
--Viewers at home will get a chance to see the guy the Cubs got for Milton Bradley when Carlos Silva makes a scheduled two-inning start against the White Sox (2:05 p.m.. WGN).
--Randy Wells and fourth/fifth-starter candidates Sean Marshall and Mike Parisi all are scheduled to pitch Thursday's spring opener. And Opening Day starter Carlos Zambrano starts Friday's home game against Arizona.
--Reliever Angel Guzman apparently wasn't scheduled to throw from a mound today after all. He did throw from 60 feet in a 30-pitch session today, but it was on flat ground. Guzman, who was shut down last week because of shoulder soreness, won't be scheduled to throw from a mound until early next week, Piniella said. ``He felt better than he did yesterday,'' Piniella said. Guzman's surgically repaired knee also is progressing well about a month after the arthroscopic procedure.
I think it is a great thing that Lou is puttin this star rookie in. I always belive you should give young stars a chance to prove themselfs. And I belive Starlin will do just that. Lou has many weapons this year and with the adittude of the team i see a world series. Go Cubs Go. I think you will do great.