Marquis on roster, but likely in pen
PHOENIX -- Cubs manager Lou Piniella unveiled his 25-man roster for the National League Division Series after the team's brief workout Tuesday afternoon at Chase Field. As expected, Piniella is planning to use a three-man rotation of right-hander Carlos Zambrano and left-handers Ted Lilly and Rich Hill against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Fourth starter Jason Marquis appears to have been squeezed out, though Piniella isn't ready to make a formal commitment.
Marquis was kept on the roster as an emergency Game 4 starter Sunday at Wrigley Field or as a long reliever.
''Obviously, I'd rather start,'' Marquis said. ''That was my role all year. That's where I feel most comfortable. But the decision isn't up to me.''
Last season, the St. Louis Cardinals left starter Marquis, who pitched for them in the 2004 World Series, off the playoff roster entirely. The free-agent right-hander pitched well most of this season as the fourth starter before struggling late, including a four-run inning Sunday in Cincinnati on the last day of the regular season.
''It was an inning to get work in,'' Marquis said. ''Everyone other than Ted [who started] was out of their normal role, so I'm not worried.''
As for the rest of the roster, there were some notable names left off: left-handers Sean Marshall and Will Ohman; right-hander Steve Trachsel; outfielder Craig Monroe; and catcher Henry Blanco. The notable addition is rookie right-handed reliever Kevin Hart.
Hart and rookie catcher Geovany Soto were each promoted when rosters expanded on Sept. 1 but played their way onto the postseason roster, with Soto getting the start nod tonight over veteran Jason Kendall.
That means Piniella will use 11 pitchers and 14 position players.
Piniella delayed announcing his final roster until he checked the health of left-handed pinch hitter Daryle Ward, who is nursing a sprained left thumb.
Here is the breakdown
Pitchers (11) -- RHP Carlos Zambrano, LHP Ted Lilly, LHP Rich Hill, RHP Ryan Dempster, RHP Bob Howry, RHP Carlos Marmol, RHP Kerry Wood, RHP Kevin Hart, RHP Michael Wuertz, RHP Jason Marquis and LHP Scott Eyre.
Position players (14) -- LF Alfonso Soriano, SS Ryan Theriot, 1B Derrek Lee, RF Cliff Floyd, 3B Aramis Ramirez, 2B Mark DeRosa, CF Jacque Jones, C Geovany Soto, CF Felix Pie, 2B Mike Fontenot, 1B/OF Daryle Ward, C Jason Kendall, INF Ronny Cedeno and OF Matt Murton.
The D-backs' speed was a key factor in Soto starting Game 1 as much as his bat (.389, three homers).
''It hasn't sunk in yet but it's pretty good,'' Soto said. ''I've got nothing to lose. Just have fun and try to help the team like I've been doing. I'll try my best to stay calm and play my game.''