It's what we've waited all off-season for — the Cubs started showing up in Mesa today. Unlike many most Springs, this one has optimism for the Cubs coming off a division championship and having added Kosuke Fukudome in the offseason. The pessimism, of course, centers around the club's dubious history, as the Cubs hope to re-use all those ‘08 champion t-shirts they have lying around.

There are plenty of position battles to keep your eyes on, especially with the pitchers and catchers.

The rotation

Spots 1-3 look to be set with Carlos Zambrano, the surprisingly good Ted Lilly, and young lefty Rich Hill. The other two rotation spots will be a battle most likely sorted out by a trade. Hendry has more or less promised spots to Jason Marquis and Jon Lieber, but has talented youngsters Sean Marshall, Sean Gallagher. To add to the confusion, Hendry decided to stretch out Ryan Dempster to start also. I'm no mathematician, but that's 8 guys for 5 spots, meaning that something has to give (the Cubs would 'give' Marquis to just about anyone).

Closer

With Dempster possibly started (or getting traded), the closer role is open for the Cubbies. Bob Howry, Kerry Wood, and Carlos Marmol are the prime candidates, though Joe Nathan's name has been bantered around in recent trade rumors if the Cubs can't get ahold of Brian Roberts. Frankly, I find closer to be the most overrated position in baseball, so this doesn't particularly matter to me. Wood might as well be the guy since whoever Lou chooses will be crucified by fans whenever he blows his first save. At least Kerry is used to it.

Catchers

It's tough for Cubs fans to get excited about rookies playing a position. It doesn't come up very often — the last All-Star the Cubs produced for themselves were Joe Girardi, Mark Grace and Rafael Palmiero. But Soto could be different. He starred in the Pacific C...

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