Send your questions to cubs07mail@yahoo.com, and please include your full name and hometown. The next mailbag is scheduled for Sept. 10.

Can you give me more information on the September callups? I know the roster expands to 40, but do teams typically call up 15 more players? Are there certain numbers of position players who have to be called up? Are callups based on club needs or is it mainly to give certain players Major League game experience for the future? Who are the most likely September callups for the Cubs?
-- Adam B., Tampa, Fla.

First of all, the roster doesn't automatically expand to 40. Teams can call up as many players, and whatever type of player, they want, and the number is determined by need. Cubs manager Lou Piniella has hinted they won't add too many players, maybe six. With the Cubs trying to win the division, they aren't going to call up someone just to get a look for next season or to reward them for a job well done in the Minor Leagues. It's a matter of who can help. Most teams add a third catcher, so expect to see Soto, and the Cubs will likely pick up some pitching help, such as Sean Gallagher. Ronny Cedeno also is expected back.

Have the Cubs named the player from the Pirates deal who they got for Cesar Izturis?
-- Mike L., Bristol, Wis.

That deal will be finalized when the regular season is over.

Did the Cubs sign Scott Podsednik from the White Sox? If so, how soon before we see him play?
-- Scot B., Las Vegas

The Cubs did not sign Podsednik, they made a waiver claim on the outfielder, but the parent team -- in this case, the White Sox -- had the option of pulling him off the waiver wire. The Sox opted to keep Podsednik. That's why it's so difficult to make deals after the July 31 trading deadline. Players must clear waivers before they can be dealt.

I wrote a few weeks ago about inserting Big Z between Rich Hill and Sean Marshall because of how similar their styles are. I happened to notice that because of the rainout, Lou is doing just that thing. Just wanted to say it's great Lou reads the maibag and listens to the experts.
-- Shane A., Sapulpa, Okla.

Hate to disappoint you, but I don't think Piniella reads the mailbag. Carlos Zambrano was switched in the rotation order because his Aug. 19 start was cut short by rain. Because of his moving up to make the start on Thursday, he also will get a chance to face the Brewers this week.

I know pitchers cannot wear jewelry or sweatbands on their arms, and their sleeves must blend with the uniforms. However, what is MLB going to do with the popularity of tattoos? I noticed Tim Hudson of the Braves has a prominent tattoo on his pitching arm. To me, that could be distracting.
-- David M., Marion, Ind.

If a batter complains, the umpire will tell the pitcher to cover up a tattoo. Toronto pitcher Justin Miller was told to wear long sleeves to cover up the tattoos on his arms. More than half of Miller's body is covered in brightly colored tattoos. Gallagher has some elaborate tattoos on his arms as well, but none goes below the elbow.

If I had tickets to the Aug. 19 postponed game, how do I exchange tickets for the Sept. 10 game, or is there a different way to do it?
-- Josh F., Moline, Ill.

Have a question about the Cubs? E-mail your query to MLB.com Cubs beat reporter Carrie Muskat for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Tickets stating Aug. 19 vs. St. Louis will not be valid for the make-up game. Full-season-ticket holders will receive a new set of tickets for Sept. 10 by mail. Combination Plan holders will be given the option by e-mail to exchange their tickets for the Sept. 10 game or to receive a refund for the Aug. 19 game.

All other non-season-ticket holders with a ticket for the Aug. 19 postponed game are eligible for a refund or may exchange that ticket's value towards a ticket for Sept. 10 or any future Cubs game, pending availability. Refunds can be requested by sending the Aug. 19 tickets to Wrigley Field or dropping them off at the box office.

With Soto doing so well in the Minors, will the Cubs try to put Jason Kendall on the market in the offseason to make way for Koyie Hill and Soto to take the reins behind the plate?
-- Zach L., Mokena, Ill.

The Cubs don't have that option of putting Kendall "on the market" because the veteran is not signed for next season, and will be a free agent. Soto, 24, has had an impressive season at Triple-A Iowa, both offensively and behind the plate. He arrived in Spring Training this year in the best shape of his career, and he has to do the same in 2008 to win the job. Henry Blanco, by the way, is signed through 2008.

I have a "W" flag to display on my front yard when the Cubs win but can't find an "L" flag for the days they lose, heaven forbid. Can you tell me where I could find one?
-- Jon W., Grand Island, Neb.

I did a Google search and couldn't find one either. Did you check Tampa Bay?

Can you please find the answer to one of life's burning questions -- why does DeRosa's home jersey say "DEROSA" while his road jerseys say "DeROSA"? Is it some kind of superstition or a MLB uniform rule?
-- Joy D., Englewood, Colo.

The clubhouse attendants were not aware of the difference, but DeRosa noticed it right away. He would prefer to have it spelled with the small "E" as it is on his road jersey. But, he said, "I'm just thankful to have a jersey."

The Die-Hard Cub Fan Club was founded in the early 1980s after Dallas Green came to the Cubs front office. I still have my membership card as a charter member. You also received a certificate signed by both Dallas Green and Ernie Banks and a lapel pin. I do not know the exact year in which the club was founded but I would guess sometime between 1983 and '85. Dallas was gone after the '87 season and I would guess the fan club went with him.
-- Chuck B., Frederick, Md.

Thanks for the info. According to John K. of Chicago, Tom Bosley and Ernie Banks were involved. And Ron D., of Boise, Idaho, wrote that he got his card back in the 1950s. Said Ron: "I have treasured it all my life and have shown it to a million people. And it didn't cost me a penny." The club no longer is operating, but I'd hang onto those cards.