Silva Report FALSE: Cashner still favorite

[Jntg4]

GLENDALE, Ariz. — A lengthy meeting of Cubs officials Tuesday did little to untangle the mess that the Cubs’ battle for the fifth-starter job has become.

Because front-runner Andrew Cashner has not been able to produce a knockout performance — or even a five-inning start — to clinch the job, Carlos Silva remains in the running despite an ugly spring. And non-roster veteran Braden Looper still has breath in the competition, too.

“No one battling for that spot has been consistent,’’ said manager Mike Quade, who has Silva scheduled to start today against Oakland in what might be a make-or-break start for the big guy.

Make-or-break, that is, unless Cashner struggles against Texas on Saturday. Unless Looper .  .  . you get the idea.

“There’s still some tough decisions,’’ said Quade, who’s scheduled for a follow-up meeting this morning with general manager Jim Hendry and assistant GM Randy Bush to revisit some of Tuesday’s discussions and settle on at least a few roster cuts.

“I have a lot to sleep on, and/or not sleep on tonight,’’ Quade said. “In the next couple days we’ve got to get this thing done. The [equipment] truck’s leaving Sunday. .  .  . I have a lot of stuff to process and a lot of stuff to think about. We’re obviously going to let these guys know sometime by the weekend, at the latest.’’

The biggest decision clearly involves the fifth-starter job, a call that could go down to the final days of camp since the Cubs won’t need that starter until April 5 against Arizona.

But Silva needs to show something today. He has had trouble with command all spring, and his sinker has done very little sinking — one scout who has watched him twice this spring referring to his performance a “batting practice.’’

Cashner, who struggled in adverse weather conditions Monday, remains the guy the organization wants to put in the rotation. And he’ll likely have a chance to nail down the job Saturday, especially if Silva struggles today.

“The kid’s a work in progress,’’ Quade said. “And it would be great for him to get through five innings. I would like to see him make 80 to 85 pitches. .  .  . I’m more interested in the pitch totals than I am the innings. Obviously, if he does 80 pitches in six innings that’s a good thing.’’

Notes

Quade hasn’t ruled out taking four left-handers north in his bullpen, considering he’ll have an all-right rotation. He said that’s one of the questions he planned to sleep on Tuesday, weighing the value of the fourth lefty (James Russell or Scott Maine) against another long reliever early in the season.

† Non-roster pitcher Todd Wellemeyer, who hasn’t pitched in almost two weeks, continues to be hampered by a hip strain and has all but run out of time to compete for a roster spot.

† Third baseman Aramis Ramirez was out again Tuesday, but despite a continuing fever he worked out and took BP and said he expects to play today.

Less than an hour ago via the Sun Times.

 

[X]

Still don't think it would be the worst thing in the world to have Silva as the starter, initially.

 

[derosabomb]

probably shouldve just posted this in the silva thread you just made like a few hours instead of you know creating another fucking thread.

 

[Jntg4]

probably shouldve just posted this in the silva thread you just made like a few hours instead of you know creating another fucking thread.

No, this is different, so discussion becomes different. People coming into that thread may only read the first post.

 

[daddies3angels]

Again if Silva wins 5th Spot on team its cause of CHEAP ASS OWNER. Silva has no right to win a job with his career and spring he is having. NYM just cut 18 mil. So teams do cut guys on last year of contracts.

 

[derosabomb]

No, this is different, so discussion becomes different. People coming into that thread may only read the first post.