Manager Lou Piniella has announced that left-hander Rich Hill and infielder Ryan Theriot will make the major league team on Opening Day. Neither move comes as a surprise, though I'm wondering why Hill needed to be told that he would make the team; I had him as the team's #2 starter.
Whether or not he is the second-best starter on the team, Hill will start the season's fourth game. After Zambrano on Opening Day, Ted Lilly will start the second game. Followed by an unknown (likely Prior) pitcher, then Hill and Marquis.
The decision to add Ryan Theriot to the team was expected by most experts, but may come as a surprise to the casual fan. Theriot will become the team's sixth infielder, as Lee, DeRosa, Ramirez, and Izturis are the starters and Ward is the top bat off of the bench, leaving Ronny Cedeno in the minor leagues. The decision makes sense though; Cedeno is too good to not be playing every day, even if it is in Iowa. Right now, Theriot will serve as the utility infielder.
I project the team to go with five outfielders (Pagan as the fifth) and two catchers, leaving 7 relievers: my guesses would are Dempster, Eyre, Ohman, Cotts (if he doesn't start), Howry, Novoa, and Wood.
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