Roster becomes clearer

Another eight players have been guaranteed to make the roster for Opening Day 2007.

Brad Thompson (2-0, 3.38 ERA in 16.0 IP), Tim Redding (2-0, 4.00 ERA in 9.0 IP), and Chris Sampson (1-2, 4.09 ERA in 11.0 IP) will be the final three pitchers in the Cubs' starting rotation. Additionally, Eddy Rodriguez (0-1, 1.72 ERA in 15.2 IP), Brian Fuentes (0-0, 1.59 ERA in 5.2 IP), and Damaso Marte (0-1, 3.97 ERA in 11.1 IP) will start the season in the Major League bullpen.

Utility-man Chris Burke (.289/2/5/.373/.533 in 45 AB) and outfielder William Veneable (.308/0/1/.345/.462 in 26 AB) will make the team.

There remains just one spot for pitchers and one spot for position players left on the roster.

Pitchers Henry Bonilla, Heath Bell, and George Sherill were returned to Iowa (AAA). Outfielder Richie Robnett was returned to Tennessee (AA).

Position Battle: 6 pitchers competing for 1 spot
SP Zach Duke: 0-2, 8.31 ERA in 13.0 innings.
RP Aaron Heilman: 0-1, 4.32 ERA in 8.1 innings.
RP Javier Lopez: 0-0, 1 save, 1.42 ERA in 6.1 innings.
RP Scott Proctor: 0-0, 3 saves, 3.00 ERA in 6.0 innings.
RP Saul Rivera: 0-0, 1 save, 0.00 ERA in 7.2 innings.
RP Matt Thornton: 0-1, 1 save, 6.75 ERA in 8.0 innings; out of options.

Position Battle: 4 position players competing for 1 spot
IF Ryan Garko: .250/1/4/.302/.375 in 40 at-bats.
IF Martin Prado: .214/0/1/.267/.250 in 28 at-bats.
IF Pablo Ozuna: .157/0/3/.232/.176 in 51 at-bats.
OF Delwyn Young: .152/0/2/.204/.196 in 46 at-bats.