I really didn't have any concerns for this team yet, but no Hill is starting to worry me, he hasn't looked good at all yet. If Hill can't get this straightened out, I would like to see Hart get a Chance in the rotation.

Neil, I agree I think Cintron has done very well this spring and if healthy should be given a spot on the roster.

Mike....good points and welcome

I agree with you on Soriano. If he is not in the leadoff spot, I think he would be better fit to bat lower than 2....4 or 5. I would like to see Piniella hit him in between Lee and Ramirez....just to see.

Fukudome is a better option in the 2-hole and I think the numbers in the spring can back that up. Unless they add a certain 2nd baseman, Theriot and Fukudome at the top is better than Theriot and Soriano.

I agree with you David. Although my initial reaction after seeing 6BB in 1.1 innings was "maybe he should start at Iowa".

With Theriot in the 1 spot, maybe we should forget about getting anybody now and save our prospects for mid season when there is a good #2 pitcher on a losing team ready for a trade. ??? I like Lilly more in the three spot

Rob ... I'll call you crazy (just kidding). I really think Hill will be fine. It's spring and a small sample size. I wouldn't start messing with his head by sending him down. Isn't that one of things we have complained on these boards about the Cubs doing? ... sending young players up and down instead of letting them go out and play (e.g. Corey Patterson).

Based on Hill's really poor performance this spring, right now I say he's the odd man out in the fight for the rotation spots. Why not put people in the rotation spots who have earned them by pitching well? Call me crazy but that is how I would decide. (even if it means Dempster, Marquis and Lieber fill those spots)

Aaron, you are right Hill has one option left. And speaking of options and I am not saying I do not like some of the choices on your 25-ma, but Ronny Cedeno is out of options and if Cintron can get back on the field, he should make the team and not Patterson

wow...we've all been talking about our back end, and how set the rotation is with 1-3 Z, Lilly, and Hill....but Hill just imploded today, and it looks anything but settled. I believe Hill even has an option left, so perhaps it's plausible that he be sent down, Marshall inserted in his place, OR they go with Z, Lilly, Lieber, Dempster, and Marquis....which, IMO, would be a HORRIBLE idea on the back end, but it might be possible, who knows? Also, with Fukodome struggling, I think it's even more important that they hang onto Hoffpauir on the roster.

As for Gallagher, Kroeger, and Ascanio being optioned out, I'm glad the roster is finally taking shape.

I'd be really happy with the following roster:

Z, Lilly, Hill, Lieber, Marquis

pen: Hart, Wuertz, Eyre, Howry, Marmol, Wood, and the final spot should go to Pignatiello (but sources say Piniella has ruled that one out for whatever stupid reason)

bench: Blanco (though I think it should be McGehee, who's versatile, and has hit very well this spring), Murton, Hoffpauir, Patterson, and Ward.

starters: Lee, DeRosa, Theriot, ARAM, Soriano, Pie, Fukodome, and Soto

Good afternoon everyone, what a beautiful day here in Chicago. I am a long time reader, first time poster.

I got home today and took my usual look at the box score.....a few things jump out at me and I don't know how significant any are but they have compelled me to post either way:

1)BAD day for Rich Hill. One of my favorite players last year, I thought this would be a big year for him. He has been having trouble with location all spring and it has continued today 1.1IP 3R 2ER 1H 1K 6BB 0HR. I really hope he starts finding his marks because his control carried him last year.

2)Kerry Wood pitched today even after reports had him sitting until Saturday. I think Woody knew what people would say about his health and wanted to get out there to show everyone he's okay. Either that or he's still scared of being left alone in Mesa without anyone to help him out of the hot tub!!! I kid, I kid! Not a great day but not terrible 1.0IP 2H 1R 1ER 0BB 2K 0HR Let's just hope he's not rushing just to prove a point.

3)I, like most people am thrilled Soriano has been moved from the leadoff spot. Even if we don't get B**** ******s from Baltimore Theriot or Fontenot is a better option. But at the risk overreaching here I don't see how the two hole is much better. The reason Soriano is not effective batting second is due to the fact he is asked to take pitches whhen the leadoff man reaches base. There is no way a free-swinger like Soriano can sit up there and take pitches without it throwing off his rhythm as a batter. The appropriate place for him is 5th. Especially with his leg still not fully healed he won't be asked to run as much. Not to mention Fukudome from what I've seen loves taking pitches, park him in the two hole where he will be more effective.

If you've made it this far thanks for the opportunity to contribute, I look forward to the 31st along with you all......

I'm hopeful Fukudome's bat will start talking soon!

The ARam one makes me think of his 3 run 9th inning blast off Cordero last year ... though I don't know if that landed on Waveland.

What about D. Lee??????

Awesome. I really like Woody's the most, it's perfect!