MESA, Ariz. -- The revolving door got the best workout of all Tuesday at Cubs
camp.
Erratic right-hander Todd Wellemeyer was traded to the Florida Marlins for
two minor-league pitchers. Outfielder Marquis Grissom retired, opening a spot on
the roster for infielder Ryan Theriot or a bench player yet to be acquired.
And right-handed pitching prospects Angel Guzman and Jae Kuk Ryu were
assigned to Class AAA Iowa, though they will be on manager Dusty Baker's speed
dial if the Cubs need pitching help this season.
As Wellemeyer, Grissom, Guzman and Ryu departed, left-hander Sean Marshall
and outfielder Angel Pagan took a big step forward in their careers. Both
rookies should be opening the season with the Cubs on Monday in Cincinnati.
After downplaying inquiries a few days ago about whether Marshall, who was
thought to be competing for the fifth spot in the starting rotation, could be
elevated to No. 4, Baker reversed himself and put a new twist on the situation.
Baker indicated that Marshall -- who will start Friday in the first of two
exhibitions against the San Diego Padres in Las Vegas -- has a chance to be
slotted fourth in the rotation, which would set his major-league debut for April
8 at Wrigley Field against the St. Louis Cardinals. Carlos Zambrano, Glendon
Rusch and Greg Maddux are scheduled to pitch the first three games.
So what happens to Jerome Williams? He had been assumed to have the edge on
the No. 4 spot. Might he be used in long relief with the departure of Wellemeyer
while remaining in the mix as the possible fifth starter?
"It's a possibility,'' Baker said. "We'll iron it out this week.''
Williams might grab back the momentum if he pitches well Thursday against the
Arizona Diamondbacks in the Cubs' final Cactus League game in Arizona. But
Marshall appears to be the man of the hour.
Marshall, 23, was a highly regarded prospect coming into camp, but nobody
thought he had a chance to open the season in the Cubs' rotation. Class AA West
Tenn has been his highest level as a pro, and he went 2-3 there in 10 starts
during the last two seasons.
Left-hander Rich Hill remains in competition with Marshall and Williams for
the fourth and fifth spots, but Marshall is riding the high tide.
"If a young man throws strikes, he can win,'' Baker said. "There
have been a number of young guys who have come up and done well, especially if
they have the maturity and demeanor to handle it. This is an opportunity for
somebody to win a job.''
The Cubs think Guzman needs more experience in the minors after shoulder
problems held him back in recent years.
"Guzman has missed a lot of time,'' Baker said. "He's very close.
You don't know if he's quite ready. Certain guys need to pitch. He has missed
parts of the last three years.''
Baker noted that general manager Jim Hendry is looking to acquire last-minute
bench help after other teams pare their rosters. That might knock out Theriot.
"If they are quality players and help us more than what we have,'' Baker
said. "It could be a temporary person until Theriot or some of these guys
are ready. Theriot has come on the map in the last two years and improved big
time. You wonder if it would serve him better to help us here or have him
continue to improve [at Iowa].''
Williams seldom has pitched in relief, but he's willing to try it if that's
his assignment.
"If I'm part of this team as a reliever, so be it,'' Williams said.
"I have pitched out of the bullpen only twice, but if it comes down to it,
I will make the transition.''
Williams has struggled as a starter this spring, allowing 16 runs and 24 hits
with nine walks and only two strikeouts in 18 innings. He has been overwhelmed
early in some games.
"It's going out and concentrating from the start,'' he said.
"That's what I'm trying to do.''
It might be too late, though, to keep Marshall from passing him by.
