Cashner a Lock for the Cubs Opening Day Roster?

The Cubs have two bench spots, two bullpen spots and two spots in the rotation to be filled before the March 31 deadline.

The Tribune reported Andrew Cashner is considered a lock to begin the season with the Chicago Cubs.

Here’s the rest of the update … including more on the Cubs upcoming roster decisions. Opening Day Roster
As the Tribune pointed out, most of the Cubs Opening Day roster was decided before pitchers and catchers reported to Fitch Park.

Some of the questions the Cubs must find answers to: Will Carlos Silva make the rotation? Is Reed Johnson or Fernando Perez the team’s fifth outfielder? Augie Ojeda or Darwin Barney? Randy Wells as the team’s fourth starter? Where does Andrew Cashner fit … rotation or bullpen?

According to the Trib, Hendry said “if Quade is adamant about keeping a player who has options remaining, he will tend to go with the manager’s choice.” Hendry added that it is not a mistake to send the wrong player to the minors. The mistake “is if you let the wrong guy go, or release him.”

Mark Riggins will also be a part of the decision making process.

According to the Tribune, Carlos Silva’s contract and Jeff Samardzija being out of options almost guarantees both pitchers make the Opening Day roster.

Click here for the CCO’s 40-man roster … which includes all minor league option and contract information.

Chattin’ with Bruce Levine
Here are the highlights from Mr. Talkin’ Baseball’s Tuesday chat …

• Mike Quade said Monday that he would not make any decisions on the rotation before March 20-26.
• Brett Jackson could be the Cubs’ leadoff hitter at some point this season. Jackson needs time in Double-A and Triple-A but could be with the team by May or June.
• Carlos Silva does not look like a viable bullpen option. Getting Silva better and maybe trading him might be the Cubs’ goal.
• There will be a trade market for Carlos Silva … if he pitches better and the Cubs eat some of his contract.
• Silva’s location is off and his leaving his fastball and changeup up. Silva has to work on his command.
• It appears Reed Johnson can still play. The fifth outfielder’s spot is between Johnson and Fernando Perez and it will depend on which type of player the Cubs will want on the bench … a speed player in Perez or a veteran with a strong clubhouse presence in Johnson.
• Carlos Pena is working on his swing with Rudy Jaramillo. Levine noted that Pena has not made hard contact yet this spring.
• Alfonso Soriano is the biggest surprise in camp so far. Soriano is driving the ball to right field and his legs appear to be a lot stronger. Soriano went into the gap to his left Monday to make a catch, which was quite shocking according to Levine.
• Jeff Samardzija has a no-trade clause and that means the Cubs cannot put him on waivers without his permission. Samardzija either makes the team or they pay him his entire salary and release him.

News and Notes
According to a report from Carrie Muskat, James Russell will make his first start of the spring Saturday in Las Vegas. Half of the Cubs roster will play two games at Cashman Field over the weekend. The Cubs play the Reds (Saturday) and the Dodgers (Sunday) while the rest of the roster stays in Mesa and faces the Reds (Saturday) and the Diamondbacks (Sunday).

Carlos Zambrano is scheduled to start Sunday against the Dodgers.

Bruce Miles thinks Todd Wellemeyer could make the Cubs’ roster out of camp.

Carlos Zambrano is one of the leaders in the Cubs’ clubhouse. Not only does he help Carlos Silva but he also gives advice to the young pitchers, such as Andrew Cashner. According to a report from ESPNChicago.com, Zambrano is a willing mentor.

Fernando Perez’s speed is an asset to the Cubs according to a report from Bruce Levine.

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Well, there’s the update … and I’m sticking to it.