The Home Stretch

The Cubs have three games left to close out the Arizona portion of spring training this week, hosting Kansas City today, Colorado Tuesday, and Arizona on Thursday, all at Hohokam Stadium. Just a reminder, the game against the Diamondbacks on Thursday will start at 12:05 Arizona time, one hour earlier than the normal 1:05 start. The team will then head to Las Vegas for two final exhibition games on Friday and Saturday against the Seattle Mariners.

Spring Training seems to have once again whizzed by, at least for me. I’ve heard many players say they think spring training is too long, certainly it’s not to “get into shape” as much as in the past, most of these guys are in great physical shape when they arrive. I think the Cubs needed all the time they could get here in Mesa this spring, mostly for new Manager Lou Piniella to instill his policies, attitude, and imprint on the club. Alfonso Soriano probably could use another couple weeks to help adjust to his new CF position and Wood and Prior never seem to have enough time in spring training. Mark Prior is expected to pitch tomorrow, it will be interesting to see if he can continue the positive progress from his last start. Five games left before it starts “for real” next Monday! I’m off to Hohokam, talk to you after today’s game.