Options Up: Decision Time for Cubs on Angel Guzman, Felix Pie, Ronny Cedeno

Jim Hendry and Lou Piniella have plenty of decisions to make between now and the end of spring training. 

Maybe the biggest decision is what to do with Angel Guzman, Felix Pie, and Ronny  Cedeno. All three are out of options. They either make the roster or they can sign elsewhere.

Guzman is finally healthy and is slated to start the season in the Cubs bullpen. However, if the Cub sign another starter, Guzman may find himself on the outside looking in.

The Cubs could place a pitcher on the DL, opening a spot for Guzman, or they could possibly send Jeff Samardzija to Triple-A and have him start every fifth day. I personally see Samardzija as a strong part of the Cubs bullpen, and I don't think it will be in the Cubs best interest to send him to Triple-A.

Cedeno is slated as the Cubs fifth infielder, and is coming off a .269 season in which he hit two home runs with 28 RBI. The problem with Cedeno is he doesn't play much of third, and he provides little to no pop off the bench from the right side.   

Newly acquired Aaron Miles will back up at shortstop, leaving very little playing time for  Cedeno. As I mentioned in one of my previous articles, I still believe the Cubs will sign Rich Aurilia to back up at third. If the Cubs do sign Aurilia, that will leave Cedeno on the outside looking in.

With the signing of Joey Gathright, it appears that Felix Pie has played his last game a member of the Chicago Cubs. Pie hit .241 with one homer and 10 RBI last year in 43 games.

What should the Cubs do? I think the Guzman thing will work itself out. I do see the Cubs adding a starter, but very rarely does a team brake camp without a pitcher being on the DL. Guzman will break camp as a Cub. 

As for Cedeno and Pie, I believe both players have played their last games as Cubs. Certainly if the Cubs sign Aurillia, Cedeno will be traded. I can see both Cedeno and Pie being part of a Peavy deal, or individual trades for prospects. If, for some reason, the Cubs can't move Pie, Gathright will be the odd man out and wont brake camp with the Cubs. 

Stay tuned, folks. It should be a lot of fun.