"Whether Thursday's win is the start of anything lasting for the Cubs, starting pitcher Randy Wells and outfielder Xavier Nady took major steps toward strong finishes. Wells, who has been bedeviled by ugly first innings in recent weeks, made an adjustment after advice from Greg Maddux and a bigger diagnostic from pitching coach Larry Rothschild, turning in one of his best starts. Nady, who has spent the season working back from his second Tommy John surgery at a deliberate pace, aired out a throw to the plate for the first time this season without pain or apparent consequence. That could be a sign of a greater defensive contribution to come, even if the throw resulted in an error and a free jog into scoring position for the hitter. ''That's by far the first that I've let it go at a decent [velocity],'' said Nady, who still didn't let it go 100 percent. ''And it felt good, which is encouraging. That's a big step from a mental standpoint.'' Wells' big day got a significant boost from center fielder Marlon Byrd, who made a diving catch in right-center to end the first and strand the leadoff man at second." http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/2406042,CST-SPT-csep18.article
