Playoff rotation set; Big Z going in Game 2

MILWAUKEE - One by one they marched into manager Lou Piniella's office before Friday night's game.

Something was clearly up, but Piniella soon ended the suspense by announcing his pitching rotation for the remainder of the National League division series, which begins next Wednesday at Wrigley Field.

After Ryan Dempster starts Game 1, Piniella will go with Carlos Zambrano the next day at Wrigley Field. Rich Harden and Ted Lilly will pitch Games 3 and 4 (if necessary), respectively, on the road. No. 5 starter Jason Marquis will make the playoff roster and pitch out of the bullpen.

There was some speculation that Piniella might wait until Game 3 to start Zambrano, who has not pitched well lately and who has compounded it by reverting to some of his old histrionics on the mound.

Piniella talked up all his pitchers Friday.

"I've said before I announced any pitching that I have confidence in all four of my starters," Piniella said. "All games are equally important, and we chose to go this way."

Piniella made his decision before knowing whom the Cubs will play in the NLDS.

That won't be the case with the final position-player spots, where the staff will look at matchups and other skill sets in determining which two among Micah Hoffpauir, Felix Pie and Daryle Ward makes it.

DeRosa doing better: Second-baseman-outfielder Mark DeRosa was moving around without the walking boot he had been wearing for a couple of days. DeRosa strained his left calf Wednesday in New York.

He probably won't play until Sunday, when Lou Piniella tries to get him "a couple of at-bats."

That seems fine with DeRosa, who says he'll play in Game 1 of the NLDS on Wednesday.

"I have no doubts about that," he said. "That's why I think it's silly to try and rush out. Everyone plays with injury, but I also realize what's at stake. I would love to be involved in this series. I know how important it is for the Brewers. I know how exciting it's going to be even though we've already clinched out spot. It's still going to be a great atmosphere.

"I'd love to be out there, but at the same time, I'm not going to jeopardize not being out there Wednesday."

Bullpen battles: Look for embattled right-hander Bob Howry to make the playoff rosters despite some rough times of late. The final bullpen spot could come down to a battle among lefty Sean Marshall and righties Jeff Samardzija and Chad Gaudin. All three pitched Friday, and none stood out. However, Gaudin balked and gave up a homer.

But veteran Howry is safe, as the Cubs will carry 11 pitchers and 14 position players.

"I need Bob to pitch well," Piniella said. "I had a nice little meeting with him and told him we need to get him nice and sharp and pitch well in the playoffs."