Marmol decides to pitch in WBC

MESA, Ariz. - Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol has decided to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic after all.

The 26-year-old Marmol said Saturday that after talking with Felipe Alou and Stan Javier of the Dominican team he had decided to join his countrymen. He'd said earlier during camp that he wouldn't do it.

Marmol will pitch for the Cubs on Monday and then leave for the WBC the following day. Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he's fine with Marmol's decision and it won't affect the competition between the right-hander and Kevin Gregg for the closer role.

Marmol went 2-4 with a 2.68 ERA and 7 saves in 82 games last season, making his first all-star team.

Koskie gets minor-league deal: Third baseman Corey Koskie and the Cubs have agreed to a minor-league contract with an invitation to their spring- training camp.

Koskie has been out of the majors since he sustained a concussion while playing for Milwaukee in 2006.

But he says he is fully recovered and will play for Canada in the World Baseball Classic. He will report to the Cubs' camp after Canada is finished playing in the WBC.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Saturday the club is glad to give the 35-year-old Koskie a chance. The completion of the deal is pending a physical.

The Cubs are looking for a backup for Aramis Ramirez.

Around the bases: Cubs GM Jim Hendry didn't hear anything about the report that free agent Curt Schilling, who's coming off biceps tendon and labrum surgery, would like to pitch for the Cubs. "We will always keep our eye on anybody who might help us," Hendry said. ... Cubs right-hander Rich Harden threw on the side Saturday. He'll throw live batting practice two times, something he hasn't done yet, before making an appearance in his first spring-training game in a week to 10 days. Ryan Dempster will pitch today and Carlos Zambrano will go Monday.