Roster Still Unsettled, After All

Lou isn't done making up his mind yet. In this Cubs.com piece, two names are conspicuous in their absence. One is a surprise.

If Scott Eyre is hurt, there are three candidates for the job. The third is not the one I expected.

The candidates include Carmen Pignatiello, who has not given up a run or walked a batter this spring; Sean Marshall, who will be tested in relief this week; and Les Walrond.

Neal Cotts, where are you?

The bench is more mysterious than I imagined. I know Ronny Cedeno and Alex Cintron were battling for one spot, and Hendry is hunting down a center (reed) fielder.

The bench also has yet to be finalized. Piniella said he didn't like keeping people in limbo. Henry Blanco and Daryle Ward will be on the bench, but the other spots have yet to be determined.

And Matt Murton is not on the list, so I guess that puts him in limbo.

EP is done.

Eric Patterson has played well all spring, getting time at both second base and in the outfield, but Piniella said he was "on the outskirts."

So, is Matt Murton in limbo or on the outskirts? Where are they in relation to each other? If the Cubs get Reed Johnson, does this make you switch out for Sam Fuld?

Murton, unlike Cedeno, has options left. Sam Fuld has plenty, too. The Cubs can move him up-and-down through 2010.

I may be (over-) reading into Muskat's article, but Iowa may be a suitable place for Murton while the Cubs try and trade him - assuming they sign Johnson or facsimile thereof.