Quade building Cubs’ depth at first base

MESA, Ariz. — With all of the excitement of Monday’s announcement that Ryan Dempster would start Opening Day for the Cubs, manager Mike Quade said other areas of the team are getting his attention too.

Quade has kept his eye on first base, where Tyler Colvin and Jeff Baker are getting practice time in addition to their other positions. Both will back up starting first baseman Carlos Pena on occasion.

“I spoke to Colv today,” Quade said. “I can watch. It’s one thing to watch, but, ‘How you feeling? Are you getting comfortable? Do you like it?’ These guys will be pretty honest with me. What I physically see is great.

“One of you guys asked me about or mentioned, ‘Would these other guys that are working at first base gain from Carlos, both his experience and his ability, and Colvin in particular being left-handed?’ If they’re not learning that position from our instructors and from Carlos, they’re making a mistake. But everybody seems to be comfortable with what I’ve asked at this point.”

Quade added that about a week in to Cactus League games, he would “produce a Colvin day at first base and see how it goes.”

Pitching plans:

Both Carlos Zambrano and Matt Garza, the Nos. 2 and 3 starters to open the regular season, will see action in Sunday’s Cactus League opener at HoHoKam Park against the Athletics.

“Why not?” Garza said. “You don’t work all season for nothing. So it’s time to get going, get the tires aired up, get the engine amped and let’s get rolling.”

Back in blue:

Kerry Wood took to the mound for live batting practice Monday. He has returned to the organization after two years in the American League.

“It’s different,” Mike Quade said. “It’s good different. I’m watching both mounds. I’m definitely not watching with a critical eye. … Just to see Woody get out and throw and be comfortable and think back a little bit, he’s a favorite son here, so that’s always kind of special.”

All’s Welly:

Todd Wellemeyer, who pitched for the Cubs from 2003-05, is in camp as a nonroster man. The Cubs will stretch him out to start, but if he makes the team, it could be as a reliever.

Wellemeyer will get a World Series ring from the Giants even though his 2010 season ended early because of a torn quad.

“I know Welly would love to start,” Mike Quade said. “He needs to pitch well. He’s one of those guys I’ve talked about that’s flexible. It’s a heck of a battle for a spot in the rotation, and we understand that. But I believe he could do either. If his mind-set is as a starter, I guarantee that if he makes this club in the bullpen, he’ll be just fine. We’ll obviously stretch him out with that in mind, whether it’s starting or as a guys we can count on giving us innings out of the bullpen.”