The sights and sounds of Spring Training are normal in March as players conduct their usual business while practicing and stretching on the field. The difference for the Cubs now is they actually have a lineup together which finally has a group of heavy hitters. Thursday, in their first exhibition game against the Giants no one on the Cubs dugout was trying to go above and beyond or out perform their NL opponent. Winning games isn't the point of Spring Training, it's the season that counts. Young players are working to prove their value to a team while the rest of the veterans get in those at-bats or pitches on the mound. Seeing as Barry Zito started yesterday it wasn't necessary for the Cubs to swing for the fences.
Making contact was the main focus and despite scoring only 2 runs the players got a chance to get familiar with a pitcher's stuff. I really don't care what the Cub's record will be at the end of Spring Training. They just better be damn well prepared for Opening Day and thereafter. The outfield positions won't be the sole team issue to decide, but also the order in the rotation. Mark Prior should be at least 3rd. He should have enough days rest to maintain strength in his pitching arm. I don't want to even hear anything about Izturis being put in the starting lineup as a regular. My position on him is firm (he stinks). Today the Cubs play the Angels and if all goes well the Cub hitters will have a productive day. 29 more days to Opening Day!
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