Antonio

Alfonseca

''We’re not sure of the timetable, but we hear he’s going good,’' manager Dusty Baker said. Alfonseca is out until May, but might be able to return in the early part of the month.

Alfonseca is expected to step back into the closer’s role upon returning, although it may be on a short leash.

Alfonseca underwent season-ending surgery in 2001 to repair a herniated disk in the same area, and the pitcher’s agent said Thursday that another operation might be required to fix this problem. As a result, the Marlins have withdrawn the two-year, $4.75 million contract. He’s now being offered an incentive-laden one-year deal.

Alfonseca is only guaranteed $300,000 because of his back problems, but he can still earn the $4.7 million he was due before he failed his physical. If he appears in 65 games next season -- a figure he has reached in four of the last six years -- the Marlins’ $2.7 million option for 2006 will become guaranteed.

This is probably the biggest reason Dusty Baker hasn’t bothered to name a closer this month. When Alfonseca returns, the Cubs will have to make room. However, rumors involving Juan Cruz being traded to Cincinnati are way off base, according to GM Jim Hendry.

''We’ll see,’' Baker said. ''If Joe doesn’t do it or if Alfonseca looks so great, you have no choice. So far, Joe’s doing well. Whatever happens will work itself out.’' No change for now in the Chicago bullpen, but owners of Borowski and Alfonseca should continue to monitor the situation.

Trainer Dave Tumbas confirmed the MRI showed Alfonseca’s hamstring was injured, but the team wants team physician Michael Schafer to view the test before making an announcement. Expect to hear something this afternoon.

''After meeting with Dr. [Michael] Schafer, it looks like he’s not going to be able to pitch until sometime in May,’' GM Jim Hendry said Friday. ''Nobody could predict if it’s the first week in May or the second. But he’ll probably be at least five to six weeks until he can be in a game.’' Manager Dusty Baker said today that the Cubs would use a committee of closers while Alfonseca is out, mentioning Mike Remlinger, Kyle Farnsworth, Dave Veres and Mark Guthrie as candidates for saves.

''Eventually, like I told you, I’m going to flip-flop them someday; I just don’t know when,’' Baker said Monday. Use this news how you will. If the Cubs keep winning with Joe Borowski closing and Alfonseca in a setup role, there wouldn’t be much reason to make a change.

''We’re going to have him throw on the side at least one time and see if we see any difference and better quality on his breaking ball. We’ll make a decision after that,’' manager Dusty Baker said. Baker is showing no inclination toward removing Joe Borowski from the closer role just because Alfonseca is back.