Twisted

Spring training chugs along. More importantly, Felix Pie is going to get his twist unraveled. I can only cross my legs and hope the best for young Pie. He'll miss a few days. This isn't going to hold him back much. However, it gives Fuld a chance to show the Cubs what he's got. Pie has the edge for the CF job, but Fuld will at least get a few days to impress. It probably won't get him the job, but if he does well, the coaches will have him in the back of their minds down the road.

Otherwise, things are moving along for the Cubbies. DeRosa made an appearance. If not spectacular, he did shrug off some winter rust and it's good to see him out there. Ward has also gotten some playing time and looks like the player we expect him to be (that's a positive, if you were wondering).

Hill had a tough start against the Brewers, but I think he'll be ready when the real games start.

The race for the final starter looks close as Lieber, Dempster and Marquis have all had good outings recently. I think Marquis is a known factor. On the other hand Lieber is coming off injury and a demotion, while Dempster has durability concerned going back to the starter role.

It's a tough spot (though not necessarily a bad one). Rumors are that Boston has no interest in Marquis for Coco Crisp. Given Marquis' usual good first half, I thought Boston might want a look, but they can probably manage. Crisp might garner something better. Personally, I like Lieber, given his history, but Dempster is intriguing if he really has the stamina. Don't get me wrong, I loved the Marquis acquisition, but of the three, I'm most certain of what he provides and I think the other two can give you that and possibly much more.

Jeff Samardzija, Juan Mateo, Jake Fox, Ed Campusano, Luis Figuero and JD Closser were optioned or sent to Minor League camp, while Shingo Takatsu was released.

The team didn't have too many decisions to make. The few positions that were up for grabs when Spring games started remain unknowns, though watching from afar, you can make a few guesses. The Cubs seem to be settled into the routine now and are going to be chomping at the bit pretty soon. I certainly am. I like what I've seen so far, but it takes a few real games to really get a feel for what we should expect from them all year.