Manager Lou Piniella told the media today that Jason Marquis and Ryan Dempster would be in the starting rotation.  I am suprised to see both of them in the rotation and Jon Lieber working out of the bullpen.  I would rather have Lieber in the rotation, and then one of the other two out of the bullpen.  Maybe this is just to get Marquis some work, so hopefully the Cubs can eventually trade him.

Piniella also said that Kerry Wood would start out the season as the teams closer.  He was in a battle all spring with Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry.  Wood proved to the coaches that he could pitch on back to back days and did a good job so he earned the spot.  If Wood struggles, look for Marmol to be thrown into the position.