Cintron released; Orioles all but end Roberts trade talks
TEMPE, Ariz. -- The Cubs granted nonroster infielder Alex Cintron his unconditional release Wednesday, the same day Baltimore Orioles president Andy MacPhail declared the Brian Roberts trade talks all but dead.
The two are somewhat related.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella had told Cintron on Tuesday that he had been beaten out by infielders Ronny Cedeno and Mike Fontenot.
"Cintron, when he got back yesterday, he just left," said Piniella, who noted there were no hard feelings. "The reason being, he was told he wasn't going to make the team. Jim Hendry had talked to his agent.
"I had a little brief conversation with him yesterday. So he knew, even before yesterday's game that he wasn't going to make the team."
The Cubs signed Cintron last month, still anticipating a deal was possible with the Orioles for second baseman Roberts. Cedeno most likely would have gone in such a deal, and the Cubs still were uncertain then about Fontenot.
Orioles president Andy MacPhail told Baltimore media members Wednesday that an immediate trade of Roberts to the Cubs was unlikely.
"We continue to talk," MacPhail said. "I think with each passing hour, at this point, it's less and less likely. … The further we get this close into it, the greater likelihood that we're going to start with what we have."
The Marshall plan: Left-hander Sean Marshall said he was pleased with Tuesday's short relief outing against the San Francisco Giants.
Marshall struck out Fred Lewis in the seventh inning for what would have been the third out. But the ball got away for a dropped third strike, and Marshall gave up a 2-run double to Rich Aurilia.
If Marshall looks good in today's Mesa finale against the Brewers and again during one of the games in Las Vegas, he will go north as the lone lefty out of the bullpen.
"It felt good; it was just a little different," said Marshall, a starting pitcher by trade. "The big difference was the mound. So many pitchers had been pitching. I'm used to a smooth mound. It felt good. I got loose quick. It's going to be tougher in Chicago when it's cold. But everything's good."
If Marshall shows any difficulty, the Cubs will turn to Carmen Pignatiello, a lefty who has been nearly flawless all spring.
"I said if Marshall can acclimate himself in short order -- we're going to get him up again tomorrow and we'll get him up one more time in Vegas -- if he can do that and we're comfortable that he can do it and he feels good about it, he'll come with us, and he'll be our left-hander out of the bullpen," manager Lou Piniella said.
"If not, we'll send him down for some work and bring Pignatiello with us."
Zambrano ready: Ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano proclaimed himself more than ready to start Monday's season opener after working 4 innings in Wednesday's 7-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels. Zambrano gave up 4 hits and 4 runs, including a 3-run homer to Dee Brown.
"I said that 3 starts ago," Zambrano said of being ready.
Zambrano used to like wearing the Cubs' alternate blue jerseys, which were put in mothballs last year but will be brought back in 2008. However, the Cubs may stick with tradition on Opening Day.
"Whatever the president says, whatever the GM says," Zambrano said. "I have to wear whatever they say. I think it's white because it's Opening Day."
Cubs 7, Angels 5
Cubs' record: 14-14-1
At the plate: Felix Pie, perhaps being pushed by the presence of Reed Johnson, singled three times, stole two bases and drove in 1 run. Mike Fontenot, who has made the team, singled and doubled.
On the mound: In his final spring tuneup, Carlos Zambrano worked 4 innings, giving up 4 hits and 4 runs. He threw 74 pitches, 46 strikes. Bob Howry gave up 1 hit in 1 inning. Carlos Marmol allowed 1 hit and 1 run in 11/3 innings. Kerry Wood struck out two in 12/3 perfect innings. Carmen Pignatiello earned his second save in two days.
Next: The Cubs close the Arizona portion of spring training against the Brewers at HoHoKam Park (2:05 p.m., Channel 9, WGN 720-AM). A minor-leaguer to be determined will pitch for the Cubs against Steve Bray.
-- Bruce Miles