Notes from Day Seven of Camp Lou

The Chicago Cubs took the field for the first time in 2010 on Tuesday. Day Seven of Camp Lou IV began with the Ricketts family addressing the team and concluded with a full day of practice ... for the first time in three days.

Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez and Starlin Castro reported to camp. Lee and Ramirez addressed their future with the Cubs ... and Castro gave a little glimpse of the Cubs' future.

Tom Ricketts sent the message to the team that the Chicago Cubs are now family.

Here are the notes from day seven ... just eight days until the first pitch of the 2010 Cactus League season.

Notes from Mesa

Derrek Lee said he would be happy to listen to contract extension offers. The Cubs are not planning on extending any contracts this spring and Lee said he'd prefer not to negotiate a new contract during the season. Lee does not want to be a distraction to the team during the year.
The Ricketts family spent the afternoon looking at possible spring training sites. According to a report from ESPN Chicago, the sites are located in East Mesa.
Kevin Millar continued to "impress veterans and rookies alike with his uncanny ability to make people laugh and keep them loose."
Aramis Ramirez likes the additions of Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady.
Mike Fontenot and Jeff Baker will compete for the second baseman's job. Fontenot will also get time at shortstop early in Spring Training to see if he is a viable candidate to backup Ryan Theriot.
Andres Blanco could make the team as a backup shortstop ... or the team could pursue a trade during Spring Training for a veteran backup at short.
In his first day in camp, Starlin Castro impressed Piniella and reminded him of Edgar Renteria.
Lou Piniella said Mike Fontenot needs to swing the bat like he did two years ago.
Aramis Ramirez said he is 100% healthy. He worked all off-season preparing for the season by rehabbing his shoulder Monday through Friday for two hours every morning.
Ramirez will not think about his opt-out clause until after the season ... Ramirez also talked about winning his first gold glove on Tuesday.
Lou Piniella said Ryan Theriot would not receive any playing time at second base during the spring ... which has led to the speculation that Starlin Castro will not break camp with the Cubs.
According to several accounts (Bruce Levine, Ron Santo and Dave Kaplan), Geovany Soto looks like a different player from the one that took the field last year.
Bruce Levine has seen Greg Maddux talking to "a lot of the young pitchers one on one."
Derrek Lee took therapy for his neck over the winter.

Alfonso Soriano

According to multiple reports from Bruce Levine, "the Cubs hierarchy was not pleased to hear the comments stated the way they were when Soriano arrived in camp."

The Cubs were under the impression that Alfonso Soriano was strong and ready to go. The Cubs had their medical staff checking in with him all winter and there had not been any reports of Soriano having setbacks.

Bruce Levine discussed the Soriano situation during his update on the Afternoon Saloon. Levine said Soriano caught the Cubs off-guard and they were shocked about his statements.

Mark O'Neal made a trip down to the Dominican in November to check on Soriano.

Levine spoke with an orthopedic surgeon that told him Soriano's surgery was just a routine cleanup and he should have been going at full throttle by no later than December 1... and should be way ahead of where he is now.

Soriano said again on Tuesday that his knee is weak.

In his post-practice session with the media, Lou Piniella said Soriano looked good on Tuesday. The knee did not bother him at all.

Boys of Spring

For excellent photos from the first full squad workout, click here to go to Tim Sheridan's blog, Boys of Spring.

Great shots of Starlin Castro, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee ... just to name a few.

Well, there's the update ... and I am sticking to it!

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Danny cannon

If Theriot is the cubs shortstop it will be another long season he has no range and a little league arm. You can't tell me that Felepe Lopez would not be a huge improvement. I am sure his asking price has come way down. He plays 2nd short third and the outfield and hits leadoff steals bases. oh yeah makes way to much since. So Hendry would not be interested.

Patrick S.

I think Fontenot has to prove his worth as a backup, for the team to keep him, and they are leaning toward Baker as the starter. Baker, Theriot, and blanco can all play second, Blanco can play SS as well, Baker can play third, first and a little outfield. Fontenot can only play 2b, and kind of 3b. Fontenot has to prove he is a better bat and can play more than one position, or he doesn't make the team. Baker will be the starter. IN my opinion.

nick

The little one is doing great, had my first of many sleepless nights last night, LOL!! Thanks for asking!

Neil

Nick, glad to hear you guys are doing good.

nick

I know there might be a lot of question marks with the teams health and everything, but I am very excited for this team and season!!

Suzy, I think it was you that said this team seams like they have a lot of fire and something to prove this year. I think you are right!

Go Cubs!!

SuzyS

Nick, it was me...and I stand by that.

Go Cubs and how's the little one?

SuzyS

Morning all,

Bryan....

I'm not sure Millar has much chance...but is getting a lot of media

play based on his personality, not skill.

Lou has had a soft spot for Fontenot all

along...but I suspect in the end he'll

make the right decision...based on his bat....as far as Castro goes...it may be an organizational decision to keep the pressure down on him.

Secondly, to get max production out of Theriot...after the arb case...it's smart not to rock the boat too much. Playing him at second might mess with his head to much just now.

These ARE NOT moves I want to see...but they might be the smart ones for now.

Out of all the guys in camp...there are 2 negatives. Soriano and Silva...and both could be expected. Not bad.

Overall, there's a lot more to be optimistic about, then not.

Tony_Hall

Suzy - I agree with your assessment of how they are handling the situations. I don't think it will be hard for Theriot to go back to playing 2B. The decision on Castro will be based on how quick of start he has in AAA AND, how Baker/Fontenot do playing 2B. I am not excited about Baker/Fontenot platooning or one of them winning the job, but I can live with it, based on the fact, I feel it is a stopgap, until Castro is ready and to take the pressure off of Castro.

Fontenot at SS, please no.

Bryan

Just some ramblings...

Hard to believe that Kevin Millar is even getting a serious look from the Cubs. A "great clubhouse guy who gets team members to laugh" isn't a compelling reason to grant a roster spot.

Pinella states that Fontenot will get ST playing time at SS and that Theriot won't be investing time at 2B. Now there's an open-minded manager. I guess guys like Castro and Blanco truly have no shot under this regime. Whatever happened to ST being an opportunity for players to truly compete for roster spots?

The Cubs brass is surprised by Soriano's health status and early comments to the press. Hmmm, seems like its time to cut your losses with Hendry's biggest contract failure (even worse than MB based on the total $$$'s), and eliminate another distraction.

On the positive side, you can't help but be optimistic regarding Ricketts based on his early comments to the team. Good stuff!

Also, thrilled to hear that Aramis foresees a positive continuation of the relationship with the north side. And nice to see him in shape based on a proper off-season workout regimen (left fielder, take note).

Play ball!