Pal ball: Villanueva refuses to fraternize

TUCSON, Ariz. — If you’re wondering about the toughness at the end of the Cubs’ patched-up rotation, just listen to fifth starter Carlos Villanueva talk about his start Friday against old teammates from the Milwaukee Brewers.

“I don’t want to see you, I don’t want to talk to you before the game,” Villanueva said, “because if I have to put one in your neck — hopefully, it won’t come to that — I won’t feel as comfortable doing it. But outside of the stadium, we can chat all you want.”

There’s a version of the Cubs Way for you.

Admittedly, Villanueva has had to explain his hard-core, old-school thoughts on baseball’s long-held policies against on-field fraternization with opponents.

This is a guy who “bolted to right field” during batting practice when his pals from the visiting team headed toward left field to go to the batting cages in Toronto when he played for the Blue Jays.

“Sometimes it’s tough to be the guy that people say, ‘Oh, what’s wrong with this guy?’ It’s the way I am,” he said. “I’m all for enforc- ing the [non-fraternization] rule a million percent. We’re competing out there. . . . Afterward, we’ll talk. But go between those white lines, I don’t have too many friends.”

Notes

Manager Dale Sveum confirmed that Rule 5 pick Hector Rondon and out-of-options righthander Michael Bowden will be in his opening bullpen, leaving one opening for a group that includes non-roster candidates Casey Coleman, Blake Parker, Cory Wade and Zach Putnam.

Scott Baker, who suffered a setback with his surgically repaired right elbow, is scheduled to be examined Saturday in Mesa to determine the severity of the setback.

Despite “good” progress, starter Matt Garza (left lat) is a week to 10 days from throwing off a mound, Sveum said.

Sveum plans to meet with front-office officials Friday morning for the second time this week to go over roster issues.

Despite a sub-.200 spring, versatile outfielder Dave Sappelt, who hit well for the Cubs in September, has the inside track to one of the final bench spots, Sveum suggested.