caribou

Novoa, Cotts, Wuertz and Ohman all have options. Besides, Novoa is someone who would likely clear waivers anyway. He's currently well behind the other relievers. Cotts will definitely make the team. Wuertz would only not if Miller regains arm strength without being traded. It'd be far from ideal to attempt to send him back down though. As I mentioned, Pagan does have the upperhand but he's definitely not a lock. His speed is actually what gives him the advantage as they'd actually prefer another shortstop/middle infielder. The plan to start the season of course is Soriano in center -- which if he handles it means you're going to have only a handful of games you'd need another centerfielder. As it stands, Jacque can play center (and in fact, a better CF than Soriano so far) and Theriot has worked plenty in centerfield this offseason as well so CF would be covered for 162 games. An injury or position move decision, etc., gives you the time to make the proper roster changes so you wouldn't carry a player purely in anticipation of something of that sort. Marshall's injury obviously puts him behind but he's still 7th or 8th in starting depth.

Barring injuries and the unforeseen - Cotts will make the team, Wuertz should and Marshall will not. Starting rotation: Zambrano, Lilly, Prior, Hill, Marquis Pen: Miller, Cotts, Wuertz, Ohman, Wood, Howry, Eyre, Dempster Position: Barrett, Lee, DeRosa, Izturis, Ramirez, Murton, Soriano, Jones Bench: Blanco, Theriot, Ward, Floyd. That's the 25 right now. By opening day, one of those pitchers will lose their spot and the 25th man will be added to the bench. Pagan currently has the upperhand with Cedeno needing a huge Spring. The most likely pitcher to lose his spot is currently Wade Miller (who is topping out at 84 mph after 25 pitches). But if he builds up some strength and they decide to go with a long relief role for him, Ohman or Wuertz might start the year on an optional assignment if everyone else is healthy -- of course Miller, Ohman and Dempster are all trade candidates this spring too.