What to Watch For

As the Cubs open up their first spring training game on Thursday against the San Francisco Giants, there are three stories we should look at while this game is going on.  These will also be the stories throughout spring training.

 (1) Ryan Dempster's First Spring Training Start

   It is a role Dempster has not seen in a while.  Ryan Dempster is trying to return to the rotation after 3 years as closer.  He will open up Catcus League Thursday against the Giants.  This may be only Dempsters first start during spring training, but it will be in everyone's mind when his finished.  If he does bad, it will put Dempster behind in the race for the final two spots against Marquis and Lieber.  If he goes out there and does an excellent job, it will take a lot of stress off of him.  Dempster has been going through grueling workouts and lost over 20 pounds during offseason.  "  He's looking forward to this.  This will be a challenge for him," said Piniella.  Dempster was asked how he would like to perform this spring and during the season, " I want to be better than the guy I was before."

(2) Fukudome Watch

  I first see this as the media battle.  Who will have more coverage on this guy:  Cubs media or the Japanese media?  Besides that, this will be Fukudome's first game facing live pitchers.  Most importantly, it will be against MLB pitchers.  It will interesting to see how Fukudome adjusts to these pitchers.  Having him going 0-4 in the game will not necessary be a bad game as long as he makes contact with the ball.

(3) Murton Watch

  This is probably one of the stories that no one has been paying attention to, but Matt Murton is fighting for a spot on the ballclub. He is trying to make a spot on the bench or as a 4th or 5th outfielder.  He needs to play solid ball all spring to show he belongs.

SIDENOTE: DEROSA UPDATE

Mark DeRosa will undergo a procedure Thursday in Chicago in which doctors hope they can correct what is causing is irregular heartbeat.  The Cubs have not gone through any injuries in camp.  "  The only serious concern is DeRosa.  We're thinking about Mark and everything is going to be fine," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella.  His heart condition is not considered to sideline him for the rest of the season.