Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Posted 5:31 p.m.Updated 6:58 p.m.
By Patrick Mooney
CSNChicago.com
GLENDALE, Ariz.Andrew Cashner hasnt done anything to make the Cubs second-guess their decision to commit to him as a starter. But he also hasnt done enough to claim the fifth spot in the rotation just yet.
Cashner has firm grip on rotation spot
At least thats what it sounded like after manager Mike Quade emerged from Tuesdays strategy session at HoHoKam Park. No hard news came out of the meeting between Quade, his coaches, general manager Jim Hendry and assistant general manager Randy Bush.
WATCH: Riggins on the rotation race
But the Cubs will take another look at Carlos Silva, who has seemed lost this spring but will start again Wednesday against the Oakland As in Mesa. Publicly, Silva stays in the picture.
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I never count anybody out, Quade said. Im anxious to see him pitch tomorrow. There are still some tough decisions. Nothings definitive. I have a lot to sleep onandor not sleep on tonight regarding the pitching.
Expect another round of cuts on Thursday, if not sooner, and firm rotation answers should come by the weekend. Randy Wells looks like a lock as the No. 4 starter, but no one else has really pushed Cashner.
Silva hasnt had a good feel for his pitches and has struggled with his confidence. Hes given up 26 runs20 earnedon 29 hits in 11 13 innings.
Todd Wellemeyer has been slowed by a hip injury that will make it difficult for him to break camp with the club. Braden Loopers ERA shot up to 10.97 after allowing eight runs in two innings his last time out.
No one has been good from start to finish, Quade said. No one battling for that spot has been consistentthat I will say. And that will worry me when the fifth spot in the rotation has not been consistent in May or June.
Quade will meet with Hendry and Bush again on Wednesday morning, though the manager pointed out that theyre already in agreement on most of the decisions. One primary factor is how Quades going to run a game.
Quade said the idea of carrying four left-handers relieversSean Marshall, John Grabow, James Russell and Scott Maineisnt off the table yet. But any bullpen plan is premised upon how many innings the Cubs can expect out of their starters, and how they might incorporate a long man.
So far Cashner hasnt exceeded four innings. He threw almost 60 pitches before Mondays start was washed away by rain. Given his age and pedigree, the 24-year-old first-round pick is still the one with the most upside potential.
Look, the kids a work in progress, Quade said. It would be great for him to get through five innings. I would like to see him make 80 or 85 pitches.
Silvas situation is complicated by the 13.5 million hes guaranteed through this seasons salary and a 2012 buyout. Hell get another shot to make an impression.
None of these decisions (are) easy, Quade said. Well take everything into account and try to make the best decision that we can. Sometimes guys make it easier for you, and sometimes they dont.
Etc.
Opening Day starter Ryan Dempster stretched out to six innings and allowed one run on six hits in Tuesdays 2-1 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers at Camelback Ranch. My body feels good and my pitches feel good, said Dempster, who lowered his spring ERA to 1.88.John Grabow submitted his third consecutive scoreless inning out of the bullpen.Jeff Samardzija (6.23 ERA) gave up the winning run in the 10th inning.Aramis Ramirez continues to feel sick and monitor a high fever, but the third baseman took batting practice and hopes to play Wednesday.Carlos Zambrano will pitch Wednesday in a minor-league game.
PatrickMooney is CSNChicago.com's Cubs beat writer. FollowPatrick on Twitter @CSNMooneyfor up-to-the-minute Cubs news and views.