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Dave
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Post subject: Mark DeRosa confident after testing calf
 Posted: Sep 30, 2008 - 12:57 AM CST
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Joined: Apr 18, 2005
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One of the most important story lines leading up to the Cubs' playoff opener Wednesday could be the health of Mark DeRosa, one of their most valuable and versatile players all season.
DeRosa didn't play the last four games because of a calf strain, but he tested the calf with pregame running Sunday -- with encouraging results.
''I feel like I'll be ready to go,'' said DeRosa, who has started 80 games at second base, 10 at third and 53 in the corner outfield spots while producing a career offensive season (.285-21-87). ''I would have loved to have played today, but err on the side of caution. There's no sense in going out there and reaggravating it.''
Manager Lou Piniella sounded optimistic but is reserving judgment until he sees how DeRosa looks in another round of work at Wrigley Field today.
''We're going to push him a little more [today],'' Piniella said. ''We think he'll be ready Wednesday.''
Roster talk
The Cubs don't plan to make the final decision on their playoff roster until after Piniella, general manager Jim Hendry and assistant GM Randy Bush meet Tuesday morning.
The issue appears to be whether to keep the better hitter in Micah Hoffpauir or the better fielder in Felix Pie for an outfield spot. DeRosa's prognosis could have a bearing on that.
''I didn't see anything today that changes anything,'' Piniella said.
Z toils today
Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs' scheduled Game 2 starter who at one point was considered for a two-inning tune-up start Sunday, is scheduled for a bullpen session today while most of the team takes the day off.
What does Zambrano think about his Game 2 assignment and his readiness for the playoffs? Hard to say. He ignored interview requests again Sunday and spoke to the Chicago media only once during the weeklong road trip, after his last start Wednesday in New York.
Fuku Factor
Despite his second-half slump, Kosuke Fukudome could wind up with a lot of at-bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers. If DeRosa's calf keeps him from being used effectively in right field, Fukudome would get most, if not all, the starts there, Piniella suggested.
Considering all of the Dodgers' playoff starters are right-handed, Fukudome might get most of those starts anyway, with DeRosa playing second base -- depending on whether Piniella prefers Fukudome or lefty-hitting Mike Fontenot in the lineup.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball ... 29.article
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