The Chicago Tribune quotes Lou Piniella as saying in response to a question on what he sees in Neal Cotts: "I see he gives up runs every time he pitches."

Cotts has allowed 12 runs (8 earned) in 8 innings this spring, on 19 hits allowed. The Cubs acquired Cotts from the Chicago White Sox in November in exchange for David Aardsma. Aardsma isn't faring so hot himself this spring, having allowed 8 runs in 6.2 innings.

Cotts had kinda, sorta been considered as a candidate for the starting rotation until his poor performance this spring. Now he just needs to worry about making the team, especially with Piniella talking about taking 11 pitchers north instead of 12.