Last year it was Rule Fiver, David Patton, who wowed Lou and the pitching coaches into a full time job with the big league team, this year another unexpected name is impressing the staff. James Russell is a classic firsty-firsty (both first and last names could be a first name), but that's not the only thing that makes him a hit in my book. So far this spring his line is impressive - no earned runs in 5.2 innings, giving up only 4 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7. In fact, he is leading the team in strikeouts along with the Marmot.

Last year, Russell started out in double-A where he was unimpressive. The scouts must have seen something though, as he was sent to Iowa where he finished the season with a 3-3 record, 3.43 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP over 65 games. He played this fall in the AZFL for the Mesa Solar Sox where he posted the third best ERA in the league and the second best WHIP.

The only thing working against Russell is that he is a south paw looking for a job in a pen that already features Marshall, Gorzelanny and Grabow, all lefties as well. Fortunately for Russell, one, if not two of these guys will start the season in the starting rotation with Lilly still healing from shoulder surgery and an open spot left by the departure of Harden (which will probably be filled by The Venezuelan Precious, who has actually pitched pretty well this Spring Training since a horrendous start in his first game).

So what's Lou to do? Luckily, unlike last year his hand won't be forced like it was with Patton, who ended up taking up a roster spot for the entire season with his Rule 5 status. The Cubs should be able to keep Russell loose in Iowa come April, and if god forbid one of their pitchers goes down with an injury (my money is on Silva heading to the DL after choking on an entire turkey). He could also have good trade value for the Cubs. Either way, I see JR contributing to the big league ball club in some fashion this year. And honestly, you can't go wrong with a kid by the name of Russell.


Go Cubs!