2/16 Numbers game

Cubs manager Dale Sveum noticed that pitcher Carlos Villanueva had No. 33 on his cleats. Villanueva has worn No. 33 most of his career, while Sveum has that number now with the Cubs. The manager, though, is giving up 33 to the pitcher.

“He saw ’33′ on my clears and he offered it,” Villanueva said. “I didn’t plan it that way.”

The two were together on the Brewers, including the 2008 season when Sveum took over as interim manager.

Sveum has worn Nos. 27, 7, 42, 8, 9, 6, 36, 17 and 11 in his playing career. He will wear No. 4 with the Cubs.

“I’m not a numbers guy,” he said.

Sveum and Villanueva were expected to keep their respective uniform numbers this spring, and make the change when the regular season starts. Dioner Navarro, who was assigned No. 4 when camp opened, apparently is negotiating for a new number as well.

– Carrie Muskat