Miller time

Cubs pitchers are thrilled with their new backstop

Throughout spring training, SI.com will feature regular dispatches from Sports Illustrated staffers assigned to scout camps in the Grapefruit and Cactus leagues.

By Jeff Pearlman, Sports Illustrated

Team: Chicago Cubs

Site: Mesa, Ariz.

Weather: Beautiful. Beams from the sky, heat from the beams.

Player I Saw Whom I Really Liked: Damian Miller. Ah, forget me. The guys who are happy are the members of Chicago's impressive pitching staff. Former starting catcher Todd Hundley is a nice enough guy, but his throwing was downright atrocious, and several people within the Cubs organization questioned his commitment. Miller has spent the past three years deftly handling Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling in Arizona. He's a defense-first receiver who'll make Kerry Wood, Mark Prior and the rest of the club's young hurlers all the better.

Around the Horn: Warning: Stay away from the Cubs. A most heinous flu has oozed its way through the clubhouse, and nobody's been spared. From journeyman Charles Gipson to superstar Sammy Sosa, nearly a dozen members of the team have come down with symptoms. "Anyone wanna shake my hand?" joked Eric Karros upon returning from a couple days of sick leave. "Anyone?" ... Bobby Hill, the 24-year-old second baseman who's being counted on to spark the offense, just broke out of a humiliating 0-for-19 slump. A University of Miami product, Hill's confidence remained high throughout. ... Right-hander Matt Clement, Chicago's No. 3 starter, spent most of his offseason at home in Pittsburgh, changing the diapers of his new son, Mattix. "We liked the name Maddux, but with me being a baseball player, he didn't need any more baseball in his name," says Clement. "So we spelled it with two Ts." ... New manager Dusty Baker insists he does not care if the notoriously tough Chicago media abuses him on a daily basis. "I don't read the papers or listen to sports radio," he says. "I don't need to see myself on TV. Just don't rip me, then come in here and smile." ... Shawn Estes, a huge bust with the Mets and Reds last season, should thrive in his new environment. The 30-year-old had several big seasons pitching for Baker in San Francisco, and there's little pressure on him as the No. 5 starter. "It's great to have Shawn in the rotation," said Clement. "He's the lefty we need." ... Larry Rothschild had his critics as Tampa Bay's first manager, but the Cubs love his style as a pitching coach. Rothschild is low-key, but extremely sharp. ... Center fielder Corey Patterson was confused by former manager Don Baylor's offseason criticisms. Baylor questioned Patterson's work ethic, comparing him to ex-major league journeyman Oddibe McDowell. ... In the Cubs 3-2 win over the White Sox Saturday, Baker wore what appeared to be a bright red do-rag under his cap. Smooth. ... The new skipper was thrilled Saturday afternoon when a frozen crate of fish and pork arrived from a friend in Illinois. With reporters watching in awe/shock/amusement, Baker proudly pulled dripping pieces of meat from a crate. "Oh man!" he said. "Delicious."

Sports Illustrated senior writer Jeff Pearlman will check in periodically with reports from his tour of spring camps. Click here to send a question to his Spring Training Mailbag.

 

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