Chicago Cubs Baseball

It’s all over but the shoutin’. The fat lady’s about to sing. Stick a fork in it, it’s done.

Wade Miller is going to be the Chicago Cubs fifth starter this year. Or I should say for now.

I think. Maybe.

At least he should be, if he isn’t.

And if not him, who then?

It was just a short week ago when Chicago Cubs skipper Lou Piniella all but anointed the 30-year-old Miller as the fifth starter. ”He’s been locating his pitches,” Piniella said. ”He’s been changing speeds. I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen.”

As well he should be. No, this spring hasn’t been always been a command performance by Miller. But for tenacity alone he’s head, shoulders and a surgically-repaired arm ahead of the competition - youngster Angel Guzman and once-projected starter Mark Prior.

And it looks like Miller’s determination and desire is starting to pay off. Not only for himself, but Piniella and Cubs pitching coach Larry Rothschild have to feel better about his chances for success as well.

Yesterday, the right-hander turned in his best effort of the spring, throwing five innings of shut-out ball. He fanned five and only allowed three hits along the way.

Which is what makes Piniella’s most recent comments about the fifth starter position that much more mysterious. According to reports, Pinella said he won’t make a determination until after Prior throws on Wednesday.

If Piniella is tossing a professional courtesy at Prior, as a Chicago Cubs fan and human being, I can understand that. But if there’s an inkling in Sweet Lou’s mind that Prior has shown himself to be ready, that is the not the kind of message I like to be receiving.

Miller and Prior have traveled somewhat the same path entering the 2007 season. Both had shed the title of “promising young pitcher,” to become deemed “successful starters.” Both have similar career stats. Both have been dated by Dame Misfortune.

Where Miller has set himself apart - besides on the mound - is in his attitude.

“I’m a starter, and I’m going to be a starter for a while as far as I’m concerned,” Miller said shortly after arriving in camp. I applaud that approach, the same way I appreciated Carlos Zambrano when he said he’d win the Cy Young award and the Cubs would be World Champs.

It’s that kind of confidence the Chicago Cubs need this year if they indeed hope to contend. As for Miller, here’s my report card entering the final week of spring training:

• A for Attitude: For all the reasons above.
• B for Balls: It takes some kind of special to take the fight beyond the physical ailments onto the playing field.
• C for Challenging: Not only did Miller challenge himself when he projected himself as a starter, but he challenged everyone in the Cubs dugout to take it away from him.
• D for Determination: What he might lack in arm strength at this point, he makes up for with savvy and a doggedness to succeed.
• F for Fifth Starter: Take that Mark Prior.