Decision Time ... and Other Cubs Notes

According to multiple reports, the Cubs are expected to trim their roster to 25 players on Tuesday … or early Wednesday. Who will take the final spot on the Cubs roster? Kevin Millar or Chad Tracy? According to a report from Bruce Levine, Millar and Tracy do not have long-term commitments to stay in the minor league deals they signed over the winter.

Sam Fuld and Micah Hoffpauir will begin the year in Iowa with Ryne Sandberg.

Lou Piniella announced the order of his starting rotation on Monday. The Cubs will begin the season with Carlos Zambrano, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Carlos Silva and Tom Gorzelanny.

Ted Lilly pitch in a minor league game on Tuesday. Lilly is expected to throw 45 pitches in his second outing of the spring. After Tuesday, Lilly will increase his pitch count and throw every five days for the next three starts … if everything goes as planned. ‘The Bulldog‘ will increase his pitch count to 60 on April 4, 75 on April 9 and 90 on April 14.

The Cubs are targeting April 19 (on the road against the Mets) or April 23 (in Milwaukee) as a return date for Ted Lilly.

Here’s the rest on decision day … Notes from Arizona

According to a radio report from Bruce Levine, Lou Piniella is concerned about the lack of offense he has gotten from his team of late.
The Cubs will release details of their three-day plan with the outfield over the next couple of days. Xavier Nady will play two or three days a week and the Cubs will use Tyler Colvin as a way to rest his regulars and keep them fresh early in the season. The thought is Colvin will play at least three days a week as well.
Derrek Lee is expected back in the lineup on Tuesday after dealing with a sore foot for the past few days.
Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano are expected back in the lineup as well on Tuesday against the Giants.

Ryan Dempster

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

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