Wood's role a closed case?

MESA, Ariz. -- Is it a final audition or a dress rehearsal?

While Cubs manager Lou Piniella was careful not to anoint Kerry Wood as the team's closer on Tuesday, Wood's work schedule this week indicates he's prepping for the role in earnest.

Piniella said Wood would pitch in consecutive games today and Thursday, take a day off, then pitch again -- ostensibly to see how Wood responds to the kind of schedule closers routinely work.

"He'll pitch an inning both days, then a day off, then work an inning-plus the next game,'' Pinella said.

It will be the first time Wood has pitched in back-to-back games.

Going into today's game, Wood has made 7 appearances, working 7 innings and giving up 3 earned runs on 6 hits for a 3.87 ERA.

His main rival for the closer role, Carlos Marmol, has pitched 6 innings and allowed 1 earned run on 5 hits with a 1.50 ERA.

Piniella said he also hoped to have the bullpen and starting pitching set "in the next four or five days. We'll have our closer settled and 80 percent of our starters set by then.''

Lineup for Opening Day? Before Tuesday's game, Lou Piniella indicated his lineup could be the one he uses on Opening Day against the Brewers. It was: Ryan Theriot SS, Alfonso Soriano LF, Derrek Lee 1B, Aramis Ramirez 3B, Kosuke Fukudome RF, Mark DeRosa 2B, Geovany Soto C and Felix Pie CF.

"The lineup, barring an injury or trade, could possibly be our opening-day lineup,'' Pinella said. "You know, with what could happen trade-wise or not happen, you have to be cautious about what you say."

Bumps and bruises: Right fielder Kosuke Fukudome left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by the throw on a stolen base. The ball struck Fukudome under his collarbone on the hop. Fukudome was replaced with a pinch runner but is not expected to be sidelined. Alex Cintron tweaked his left hamstring while running out a single in the eighth inning.

"From what the trainer is saying, it's more of a cramp than a pull,'' Lou Piniella said.

Cintron is considered day to day.

Tough day: Tim Lahey saw his ERA jump from 1.23 to 5.87 with a tough outing Tuesday. Lahey gave up 4 runs on 4 hits (2 doubles) in one-third of an inning.

"He had a tough time out there,'' Lou Piniella. "He has to learn to slow up the game a little. He goes with the hard stuff, but he needs to give them something soft in his repertoire. He'll learn.''

Time to win? Spring training records are forgotten as quickly as the teams break camp. Even so, there's something to be said for winning, said Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee. The Cubs are 8-12 after Tuesday's win.

"I've always believed that winning is contagious,'' Lee said. "It builds confidence. So, as we get closer to having our 25 guys and (starters) start playing deep into games, I think you would want to be winning most of those games.''