Cubs Make More Roster Cuts; Big Decisions To Be Made This Week

The Cubs trimmed their roster down, going from 54 to 45. The Cubs optioned pitchers Mitch Atkins, Justin Berg, and Jeff Stevens to AAA Iowa. Marcos Mateo was sent to AA Tennessee. The Cubs also sent catcher Wellington Castillo, infielders Luis Rivas, Darwin Barney, and outfielders Doug Deeds and Jason Dubois to the minor league camp. Read More.

Manager Lou Pinella said that he wants to rap up most position battles by the end of this week, if possible. These battles include the closers spot, the backup catchers spot, the last two bullpen spots, and the last bench spots.

The Closers Battle
Kevin Gregg has been great this spring traing, and Marmol not so much. Marmol was without a doubt the best reliever in the league last year, but he has struggled since coming back from the World Baseball Classic. Watch for Gregg to start as closer, while Marmol starts back in his familiar spot as the setup man.
The Backup Catchers Spot
The Cubs are looking for a good defensive catcher with a little pop in their bat. Koyie Hill has hit better than veteran Paul Bako and journeyman Mark Johnson and has the slight edge over Bako. Johnson is a huge longshot, but has stayed in due to Hill struggling at times and Bako struggling all the time. Look for Hill to get the job, unless Bako can find his bat.
The Bullpen Battle
At first Luis Vizcaino and Chad Gaudin looked like a locks for the bullpen spots, but both have struggled and might find themselves in a new city by the end of spring. Jason Waddell, Jeff Samardzija, and Mike Stanton are still battling for the spots, with Gaudin and Vizcaino on defense. Watch for Gaudin to hold his spot as the longman. Vizcaino could be moved with Jeff Samardzija taking his place.
The Bench Battle
1B-OF Micah Hoffpauir has been lights out this spring, and should be a lock for one of the spots. It is uncertain if the Cubs will go with 11 of 12 pitchers to start the season. If they go with 11: Hoffpauir is a lock for the first spot, and look for infielder Corey Koskie, utilitymen Estaban German or Bobby Scales to get the other spot. If they go with 12: look for Hoffpauir to be the HEAVY favorite to win. The only thing that can send him back to Iowa would be German, or more likley Koskie to have an outstanding rest of the spring.
Read More About the Battles.