Asked Friday about the Cubs’ closer battle, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had a novel suggestion for counterpart Lou Piniella.
“They’re going to score so many runs they won’t even need a closer,” Guillen said.
Nevertheless, the Cubs will have to choose between Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg. Marmol imploded Thursday night in Scottsdale, hitting his fifth batter of the spring and allowing two runs on two hits in one inning that raised his ERA to 4.50.
But Piniella said Marmol deserved a mulligan due to the 40 m.p.h. gusts, which eventually forced the game to end after 61/2 innings.
“It was a tough day to pitch,” Piniella said. “They couldn’t hold on to the ball well. They went to their mouth more than any time I’ve ever seen. “Sean Marshall has had very good control all spring, and [Thursday] he was totally off, so I’m not going to place too much importance on that game one way or another.”
Marmol was scheduled to pitch Friday but was switched to a minor-league game, along with Neal Cotts and Aaron Heilman. Piniella said there was no reason for the switch and reiterated he’d make his decision Sunday.
Bradley watch: Milton Bradley created quite a stir in the stands Thursday after arguing with an umpire after being called out on a force on a close call at second. A Cubs fan in a Sandberg jersey told Bradley he was safe.
“You’re (darn) right I was safe,” Bradley yelled back as he entered the dugout.
“Well, he was intense all night,” Piniella said. “I like intensity. And I’m sure he’s going to bring a lot of that to the party.”
Although it may be only an exhibition, Bradley is already in midseason mode. Piniella said he doesn’t try to tone down his players’ emotions.
“I’m older, and I’ve learned a lot from my mistakes of the past,” he said. “I just want these guys to play hard and win as many ballgames as possible. Outside of that, I can overlook a lot of things.”
Fukudome debut: Kosuke Fukudome played his first Cactus League game Friday, going 1-for-4 with one strikeout. Fukudome said his second season in Chicago should be better.
“As long as it’s not icy and snowy, I’ll be fine,” he said through an interpreter. Fukudome will play with the club Saturday in Tucson, when the Cubs face the Rockies.
Extra innings: Derrek Lee is starting to come around, adding two more hits Friday. Alfonso Soriano raised his average to .345. … Piniella defended the decision to end Thursday’s game in Scottsdale due to the windy conditions. “Nothing was going to be accomplished in that game,” he said. “About the only thing is somebody gets hit by a ball or something. It was really windy and cold. The umpires really wanted to call the game, but said it was up to the two teams.”
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psullivan@tribune.com
