Lilly planning on game action soon

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Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly, rehabbing from arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, will have his second intense session off the mound on Wednesday, and he said he'd like to get in a Cactus League game.

Lilly threw 30 pitches off the mound on Sunday and is scheduled to throw 35 on Wednesday. However, it's one thing to throw long toss. Throwing off the mound makes him feel like he's closer to getting in a game.

"I'm going to try to get out there and compete soon," Lilly said Tuesday. "At the end of the day, it's their call, but I'd certainly like to face some competition soon. I think I'll be able to get ready to pitch in a game fairly soon. It's hard to give any dates."

Lilly is not projected to join the Cubs' rotation until mid-April or early May.

"I think towards the end of Spring Training, it's a very distinct possibility [he'll get in a game]," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "He's coming along well. I would think that before we leave here, Teddy will pitch in a ballgame.

"The important thing is to have him continue to progress the way he has. We're hoping he's well enough along the way that we can pitch him at the end of Spring Training and go from there."

Lilly does know that he needs to build up stamina and arm strength.

"It's still a day-to-day kind of thing," said Lilly, who was 12-9 with a 3.10 ERA in 27 starts last season. "I anticipate gradual progress, and we'll see how we go. As far as my shoulder, I've felt great. I haven't felt anything that says I need to slow down."