Monday Roundup: 3 Straight Losses, Lineup Changes, Rotation Decisions, and More

Lineup Tinkering
Tonight the Cubs tried out their new lineup that will take the field against left handed hitters. The changes didn't pay off as the Cubs hitters scored just 1 run in a 6-2 loss. Here is the Cubs new look batting order VS LHP:
1. Marlon Byrd, CF
2. Jeff Baker, 2B
3. Derrek Lee, 1B
4. Xavier Nady, RF
5. Aramis Ramirez, 3B
6. Alfonso Soriano, LF
7. Geovany Soto, C
8. Ryan Theriot, SS

Santo Out Sick
Cubs WGN Radio color man Ron Santo missed the game at Wrigley on Friday and Saturday because of a heart problem that led to a trip to the hospital. Santo was back at the ballpark on Sunday and was feeling a lot better. However, he did not make the trip to New York to play it safe. Ronny is not much of a fan of New York anyways. Keith Moreland will join Pat Hughes for all four games in this series.

Lilly Set to Return
Ted Lilly worked 7 innings and gave up just 1 run to lead Class A Peoria to a 2-1 win in his final rehab start before he makes his 2010 Cubs debut. They lefty is schedule to go at Miller Park next weekend.

Soriano Drops Hop
Alfonso Soriano is planning to get rid of his signature hop. He has finally relized that this makes is handed to catch the baseball. Let's hope this helps his defense improve!

Caridad to Extended Spring Training
Esmalin Caridad will head out to Mesa to work with the Cubs Extended Spring Training team on a rehab assignment. Esmalin is on the 15-day DL with a right forearm issue.

Big Z to the Bullpen
Gordon Wittenmyer tweeted early that Lou Piniella has left the door open for one of his top 3 starters to leave the rotation when Lilly returns. At this point, sending Wells or Dempster to the bullpen would not make sense, so Gordon speculated that Zambrano could be moved to the pen. Most likely, either Carlos Silva or Tom Gorzelanny will lost their rotation spot. Gorzo threw on Monday for the first time since being removed from Saturday's game after being nailed with a liner.

Bullpen Struggles
When Lilly is activated, the Cubs will have one pitcher too many. Jeff Samardzija has been pitching poorly and could be in jeopardy of losing his bullpen job. Jeff Gray could also be sent back to AAA Iowa. If Gorzelanny is sent to the bullpen, the Cubs may want to keep four right handers so James Russell may be shipped out.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!