Pecking order

One of the rites the Cubs still have to determine is who will carry the pink backpack to the bullpen. Carlos Marmol knows one thing — it won’t be him. The pitcher with the least amount of seniority is assigned the pack. Marmol is the only reliever who was on the Cubs’ Opening Day roster last year and will be on it this season.

“That’s quite the turnover,” Kevin Gregg said.

The backpack is loaded with gum, sunflower seeds, and any other goodies relievers need to get them through the game. We won’t know who has the responsibility until the roster is completed. If Rule 5 Draft pick David Patton makes the team, it would go to him.

The other thing still to be determined is where the relievers sit in the bullpen.

“I sit in the middle — the same spot I’ve been sitting in for three years,” Marmol said.

What about Gregg? Does he have a preference?

“I could care less,” he said. “I’m in a big league ballpark, I don’t care where I’m sitting. I’ll sit in the middle of the grass if they make me.”

– Carrie Muskat