Today the Cubs signed 2B/SS/3B Alex Cintron to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Granted, Cintron had a bad 2007 but my guess is that his Cubs numbers will be very Neifi-like. Although there has been some discussion about letting Ronny compete for a center field spot, it's likely that Cintron will battle Cedeno for the 25th spot on the roster.

Of greater importance to Cubs fans are reports that Milwaukee starter Yovanny Gallardo will undergo surgery on his right knee; he will not be ready for Opening Day. I watched this guy pitch last year in Nashville and he is "lights out." It will be nice if we can keep the Brew Crew from jumping off to a big start like they did last year.

We've also seen reports that Soriano is running at 75% speed, the concern being the quad injury that he suffered at the end of the year. I am hopeful that Soriano has been working with a strength and conditioning specialist; nothing frustrates me more than nagging injuries such as hammy and groin pulls, hip flexors, etc. IMO these are conditioning issues and million dollar athletes should keep themselves in proper shape.