His last start lasted only three innings, one of the shortest of his career, which puts extra focus on Cubs right-hander Rich Harden today.
''I feel great, a lot stronger than I have, probably the best I've felt in a long time,'' he said. ''I'll take [a lesson] from my last start, but really I might have felt too good and tried to do too much. I have to pace myself the next time and learn to slow things down. Sometimes I start getting too quick.'' Harden gave up four runs, five hits and four walks to Colorado in his last outing, though he struck out eight. By starting today against Cincinnati, Harden stays on his regular rotation turn. Ted Lilly, who was scheduled for the rained-out game Sunday, goes Wednesday on extra rest.
Left-hander Sean Marshall, who was to have started Wednesday, will be pushed back to Saturday against St. Louis and will be available before then in the bullpen.
Though Harden and his troublesome shoulder usually get more rest through the season, he is glad to stay on schedule for now.
''Sometimes it can be tough having a few more days [off] than usual, so I'm looking forward to getting out there,'' he said.
CENTRAL CASTING
The Cubs will have faced four of their five National League Central opponents after playing the Reds, and manager Lou Piniella has been impressed.
''I like St. Louis,'' he said. ''I like their young players. They have some experienced starting pitchers and some nice arms in the bullpen. They're leading the National League in hitting, with a formidable 3-4-5 [in the lineup].
''Cincinnati is a good, young club. They'll have a say in this NL Central.''
The Cubs won't see division foe Pittsburgh until May 25.
THEFT-PROOF
The Cubs have allowed only one stolen base in four attempts in their first 11 games, best in the majors. Koyie Hill has thrown out the only runner attempting to steal against him, and Geovany Soto has thrown out two of three.
Meanwhile, the Cubs' bullpen has stranded 21 of 26 inherited runners for an 80.7 percent success rate, fifth-best in the majors.
PUCK STOPS HERE
Canadians Harden and Ryan Dempster are hockey fans, but their loyalties are divided.
Dempster, who is more of a Vancouver Canucks fan, is rooting for the Blackhawks in their first-round playoff series, even getting a custom-made retro Hawks jacket.
Harden, who spent part of his youth near Calgary, can't help but be partial to the Flames.
''I used to fall asleep listening to their games,'' he said.
