Ownership, Bruce Miles, Spring Training

Breaking News: Lou Pinella named Sean Marshall the 5th starter.

According to Cubs.com the Cubs will carry 12 pitchers into the season. This includes Zambrano, Dempster, Lilly, Harden. Marshall, Cotts, Marmol, Gregg, Heilman. Other canidates Gaudin, Patton, Vizcaino, Guzman, Samardzija and wells.

Also according to Cubs.com Lou Pinella told Jeff Samardzija that he still has a chance to make the bullpen on opening day.

Ownership news:

Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times talked to Cubs chairman Crane Kenney, who anticipates payroll room to make moves around the July trading deadline. The team's revenue sources have remained strong for the most part.

It sounds like the Cubs' new ownership will be in place before the deadline. In another article, Wittenmyer quotes Kenney as saying the Tribune and the Ricketts family are "very close to the terms of their deal," which could be wrapped up in May.

Bruce Miles Notes:

Bruce Miles said a new face of the Cubs franchise. First it was Ryne Sangberg then Sammy Sosa and for the last 10 years it was Kerry Wood. Now all them do not play for the Cubs anymore, Miles said that Ryan Dempster is the "total package" and could be the next face of the Cubs franchise. He said Derek Lee is a quiet leader and did not mention Alfonso Soriano. He also said Carlos Zambrano "has seniority, but he's had his ups and downs with teammates, managers, the media and fans." The argument against Zambrano being the 'the top Cub' is justified. Big Z has had the loudest ovations when announced at the Cubs convention the last 3 years.

WBC News:

Geovany Soto should be at camp after the loss to the USA.

The USA has no first baseman after Youklis sprained his ankle and Lee was there other first baseman on the roster even after he said I'm not doing it and he is other day to day with a injury and said he won't play for USA.

Spring Training recap:

The Cubs beat the Seattle Mariners 9-2.

These players will make the team for sure:

Aaron Miles went 3 for 4 with a single and 2 doubles.
Micah Hoffpauir went 1 for 4 with a homerun, 3 rbi’s and 2 strikeouts.
Reed Johnson went 2 for 4 with 2 singles and 2 strikeouts.
Joey Gathright went 1 for 2 with a single and a walk.
Pitchers:
Aaron Heilman pitch 3.2 innings and gave up 4 hits, 1run, 1 walk and 1 strikeout.

Notables:
Corey Koskie went 0 for 2.
Koyie Hill went 1 for 4 with a single and a strikeout.