Seven games and six days left in the desert for the Chicago Cubs. The final Cactus League game of 2011 is Tuesday, March 29 … The Cubs equipment truck leaves for Chicago Sunday.
Mike Quade, Randy Bush, Pat Listach, Mark Riggins and Greg Maddux met in with Jim Hendry in the GM’s office Tuesday morning to discuss the Cubs roster. The Cubs’ brass is expected to meet again Wednesday after taking time to think overnight what they discussed. Quade described the meeting as being productive but no decisions were made.
Mike Quade said he wanted to sleep on some of the upcoming roster decisions. The Cubs next round of roster cuts could take place as early as Wednesday … Thursday at the latest.
Carlos Silva is reportedly still in the mix for the fifth spot in the Q’s Opening Day rotation. Andrew Cashner and Braden Looper are the other two main candidates to take the final spot. News and Notes
According to multiple reports, Carlos Marmol and Justin Berg got their work in during minor league games at Fitch Park Tuesday.
Carlos Zambrano will not start Wednesday afternoon’s game against the A’s … Carlos Silva will make the start instead in a big league game. Mike Quade said players that are competing for a job with the Cubs would see time in big league games. If there is a scheduling conflict, especially with the pitching staff, then players that have already made the team will get their work in at Fitch Park in minor league games.
According to a report from Carrie Muskat, Augie Ojeda felt instant relief from the cortisone shot he received in his back. Ojeda could hit off a tee Wednesday and could be back on the field Friday against the Mariners.
Catchers’ lines from Bruce Miles entering play Tuesday: Welington Castillo – .706/.737/.941 with a home run and six RBI. Koyie Hill – .037/.071/.074 one hit in 27 at bats with no home runs or RBI. Max Ramirez – .294/.381/.529 with one home run and nine RBI.
According to a report from Comcast SportsNet, the hip injury that has limited Todd Wellemeyer this spring has made it difficult for him to break camp with the Cubs.
The idea of the Cubs starting the year with four lefties in the pen isn’t off the table yet according to Comcast SportsNet. Four of the seven spots in the pen could be filled by Sean Marshall, John Grabow, Scott Maine and James Russell.
Chattin’ with Bruce Levine
Mr. Talkin’ Baseball held his Tuesday chat on ESPNChicago.com. Here are a few of the highlights …
- Michael Young is not on the Cubs radar. The Cubs have zero money to spend.
- Darwin Barney could win the starting second baseman’s job if he continues to play well.
- There is nothing brewing on the trade front for Carlos Silva right now. Until Silva can put together a couple of positive outings the Cubs will not be able to find a taker for him.
- Koyie Hill has never been able to hit. The only reason the Cubs keep him around is because of the intangibles he brings … calling games, confidence of the pitching staff and occasionally throwing out a baserunner.
- Welington Castillo will start the year at Triple-A Iowa. If Castillo continues to improve, he will force his way on to the big league roster in 2011.
- The Cubs are very high on Casey Coleman … but he is likely to start the year in Iowa.
- Reed Johnson is the clear-cut winner of the fifth outfielder’s job.
- Matt Garza’s hamstring injury was a residual effect of a hole in the mound he was falling in. According to Levine, there is no injury to speak of.
- Scott Moore or Bobby Scales has a chance to make the team if Blake DeWitt begins the year in the minors.
- Sean Marshall was dealing with a dead arm … Levine wouldn’t worry about him.
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Well, there’s the update … time to sleep on it.