The Chicago Cubs have but one roster decision left to make before the start of the season, and manager Lou Piniella said he’ll be making it soon.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella said on Monday that the team will make final cuts sometime Tuesday or early Wednesday.
The only competition left is the 25th man on the roster. That battle includes Kevin Millar, Chad Tracy and Micah Hoffpauir. Hoffpauir has minor league options left, while Tracy and Millar have minor league contracts, but no long term commitment to stay in a minor-league deal. ESPN Chicago.
Seasons are rarely made or broken by the 25th man, but that player’s impact on the margins is often difficult to quantify. With apologies to Hoffpauir, the spot seems to be down to Tracy and Millar. The decision, therefore, comes down to Tracy’s versatility and lefty-hitting against Millar’s experience and intangibles. For my money, I’d much prefer Tracy’s upside, but I can see this decision going either way.