Piniella no closer to choosing between Marmol and Gregg

PHOENIX - Cubs manager Lou Piniella has found a way to settle the closer's battle between Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmol.

"I'm going to flip a coin, heads or tails," Piniella said Monday before the Cubs crushed the A's 20-5. "I've been reading the comments a little bit from both candidates, and they're both, I don't know about adamant, but certainly forceful about their desires to close, and I don't blame them. They're both very, very capable of it. But again, you can only go with one, and we're going to do what we feel is best for the team and for the individual.

"One thing is certain. If we win enough ballgames, there'll be closing opportunities for both of them. That's my out."

Gregg solidified his case Monday by pitching two-third scoreless innings, giving up an inherited run in the fifth after starter Ryan Dempster gave up a one-out double. Gregg's ERA remained at 0.00. Marmol has pitched well but has had command issues.

"That's his decision," Gregg said of Piniella. "I'm just getting ready for Opening Day. When he makes his decision, he's got to be comfortable. It's not going to change what I'm doing here."

Gregg also will work in Tuesday's game against the Rockies. He seemed glad Marmol wants the job as much as he does.

"Good," Gregg said. "Bullpens are one unit anway. If we come out and screw up the game, the bullpen screwed up the game."

Dempster's doings: Ryan Dempster worked 41/3 innings Monday, giving up 3 hits and 1 run while walking one and striking out six. He's on track to start the second game of the season.

"It's getting there," said Dempster, who has a 1.56 ERA. "I felt really good early on, just kind of getting more and more life on my fastball as spring training goes along. I had a good split today. I had an all right split. Just work on that."

Lilly returns: Lefty Ted Lilly has returned from the World Baseball Classic. He'll throw 70-75 pitches Tuesday in a simulated game. Rich Harden will pitch Wednesday in a minor-league game at Fitch Park while the rest of the team has the day off.

The way it sets up, Lilly and Harden will be the starting pitchers for the exhibition games at Yankee Stadium at the end of next week.

The Cubs expect center fielder Kosuke Fukudome in camp and ready to go after Wednesday's off-day. He played for Team Japan in the WBC.

Cuts coming: Expect the Cubs to pare their spring roster down from 42 Tuesday with another round of roster cuts.