Levine: Cubs Coaches Not Worried About Slow Start

By Bruce Levine--

MESA, Ariz. (CBS) -- A slow start to the Cactus League season isn't causing panic for the Chicago Cubs' coaching staff. After all, nobody really remembers what the spring training records are once the championship season begins, even if they are 1-8 thus far.

"There are times where you go to camps and there is legitimate competition going for one or two spots," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Thursday. "I think the way things are set up now, GMs and managers know what we are supposed to look like. We told the coaches don't be fooled by the guy that comes into camp and has a great spring. Don't be fooled by the guy who has had great success who has a bad spring."

The Cubs are loaded with talent and a slow start, record-wise, does little to bother these young or veteran pros.

"It is going to play out just like you saw it at the end of last season," Maddon insisted, referring to the Cubs' playoff run.

The brief outings of the starting pitchers have everything to do with the poor win-loss record this spring. As an example, reigning NL Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta pitched two dominant innings in Wednesday's loss. If this it was late March or early April, he'd be tossing between six and eight innings. The same goes for Jon Lester and John Lackey.

"Look, the record isn't good," Maddon said. "I couldn't care less."

Schwarber tweaks knee

Cubs catcher/outfielder Kyle Schwarber injured his left knee in the first inning of Thursday's game. He felt something strain in his knee after planting and making a throw from left field. He's expected to be examined again Friday. Initial indications are the injury isn't serious. Schwarber will most likely be held out of game action up to a week, while he rests and rehabs the knee.

Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.