Colvin to Break Camp on Active Roster? … And Other Cubs Notes

Three down and one to go for the Chicago Cubs … The Cubs’ Cactus League schedule began exactly three weeks ago. There is only one full week of meaningless games remaining before they all count. The Cubs roster is taking shape and Lou Piniella is expected to reduce his spring roster by Friday as well as name his starting rotation.

While Piniella has not said, it appears Tyler Colvin might break camp with the big league club. Piniella hinted as much following Wednesday’s win against the Rangers.

Here are the notes from Arizona … including updates on Randy Wells, Tyler Colvin, Aramis Ramirez and Xavier Nady. Tyler Colvin

Tyler Colvin has impressed the Cubs’ brass. Piniella admitted if Kosuke Fukudome, Alfonso Soriano and Marlon Byrd were not all on his roster then Colvin would break camp with the team.

The Tribune pointed out it looks like Colvin has won the fifth outfielders job to start the season.

Sam Fuld has not hit and neither has Micah Hoffpauir … not to mention Hoffpauir can barely play the corners in the outfield. Colvin can play all three positions and can spell Xavier Nady and Alfonso Soriano late in games.

The Cubs are expected to make more roster moves by Friday. While nothing is official, Piniella’s comments insinuate Colvin has made the team …

From the Tribune:

“First, Colvin has had an outstanding spring. He has played well enough to make this team. The concern is we don’t want this young man to make this team and just sit. So if he’s on our Opening Day roster, he’s going to get some playing time. He’s not just going to sit.”

When asked about getting Colvin at-bats and playing time …

“I’m going to have to. We’ll see how it plays itself out. … To his credit, he can play all three outfield positions.”

“Look, he has played really well this spring. If I didn’t have Fukudome, Byrd or Soriano, he would be a regular in one of those positions, the way he has played this spring.”

Notes from Arizona

• Randy Wells made a start in minor league camp on Wednesday to keep on schedule. Wells gave up three hits, no walks and struck out seven in six innings … retiring 13 in a row at one point. Wells pitched for the Iowa Cubs.
• Aramis Ramirez played in a minor league game as well on Wednesday. Ramirez got five at bats and hit a home run. The Cubs are expecting to get him back in a game at third base on Friday.
• Xavier Nady played in the outfield in a minor league game on Wednesday. Nady recorded an RBI double at the plate … but was hit in the right hand. Nady’s hand was bruised but he had full range of motion. X-rays were not planned according to a report from Bruce Miles. Nady participated in a Double-A game with the Tennessee Smokies.

Well, there is the update from Arizona … and I’m sticking to it!

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