Spring training stats are almost completely meaningless -- the key term being "almost."

There's really two groups of players for which I think you can really read into their spring numbers: 1) in the field, borderline Triple A/bench players; and 2) from the mound, pitchers fighting for a rotation spot.

For the Cubs, that list includes (in no particular order): Tyler Colvin, Starlin Castro, Sam Fuld, Micah Hoffpauir, Chad Tracy, Kevin Millar, Darwin Barney, and Andres Blanco; and for pitchers: Sean Marshall, Tom Gorzelanny, Carlos Silva, and Jeff Samardzija.

Admittedly, that's kind of a lot of names. But watch how easily I slide and dice through all of them, and tell you where they oughta be headed come April.

The 5th OF candidates (Colvin, Fuld, Hoffpauir): Everyone knows Colvin has been raking. At the same time, neither Fuld nor Hoffpauir has been doing himself any favors.

I think you'll all agree that a continued lack of hitting would hurt Hoffpauir's chances of making the big league team more than it would Fuld's. I'm going to assume that happens, tab Fuld as the 5th OF, and put Hoff... somewhere.

On the other hand, Tyler Colvin is 24 years old, and needs a lot more time at the plate before we can really tell what he's capable of doing. The absolute WORST THING for him right now would be stashing him on the bench in Chicago. He should be starting in Iowa instead.

The 25th man (Castro, Tracy, Millar, Barney, Blanco): Castro's situation is similar to Colvin's, and Lou has even said as much. He'll be starting in Iowa this year.

If Lou decides Fontenot can handle backing up at short (which appears likely to me), neither Barney nor Blanco fit on the team. Thus, it's down to Tracy and Millar for the last spot.

It's looking like Nady will be with the team on Opening Day as a right-handed bench bat, even with the bad elbow. To me at least, that makes Millar redundant. But the guy is having a better spring than Tracy. Also he's super great for the clubhouse, apparently. So he'll probably make the team as the 25th man.

The pitching (Marsh, Silva the Hutt, Gorzo, Shark): Can anyone explain to me how Samardzija deserves to pitch in the major leagues? I didn't think so.

Tom Gorzelanny's spring innings have looked the best of anyone in this bunch. He's also shown an ability to succeed at the major league level in the past. This guy should definitely be starting, either as the 4th man while Lilly is injured, or the 5th when he comes back.

The 5th/6th starter should be Marshall. He'd be fine while Lilly's hurt, but you and I both know: His ERA as a starter is in the mid-5's, and as a reliever it's in the mid-3's.

Oh right, also, it appears Carlos Silva sucks.