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8:40pm CT. Greg Maddux v. Russ Ortiz.

This is unfortunate given how good the Bulls season has been going: "Luol Deng is expected to miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his right wrist," reports the AP.

ESPN.com reports that 38 minor leaguers were suspended Monday for at least 15 games for violating basball's new steriod policy. 7 of the players on the list were Cubs.

"Third baseman Aramis Ramirez and the Chicago Cubs agreed Monday to a $42 million, four-year contract that includes a mutual option for 2009," reports the AP. Ramirez can opt out of the deal after 2006. The 5th year option automatically vests at $11M if Ramirez plays in 270 games in 2007 and 2008.

Once a team makes the playoffs, anything can happen. The 2004 Red Sox are the archetypal example to prove this truism. So there's no point in attempting to divine who will win it all this year, and especially whether the Cubs will do it. But, obviously, they need to be in it to win it. I count eight teams in the National League (Atlanta, Florida, Chicago, Houston, St. Louis, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco) with very good odds of making the playoffs, yet there are only four spots available.

In the Central Division, the Cardinals will come back to Earth somewhat, though even a 10-win dropoff from last year means a 95-win season. They lost Edgar Renteria, but gained Mark Mulder. They're the obvious favorite. The Astros lost Carlos Beltran and Jeff Kent, but essentially gained Andy Pettitte since he was out almost all of last year with an injury. I think they'll be worse than last year, but I think they'll contend.

Finally! After a long, cold dreary winter, baseball is back! So, the Cubs open in Arizona instead of the Friendly Confines. I can deal. Spring training is over, and today the battle begins. I never pay that much attention to spring training anyway. Breaking balls don't break in the Arizona air (a portent for today); pitchers will work on one or two pitches rather than bring their entire arsenal to bear; balls fly farther; hitters face pitchers who'll be optioned to the minors soon--there's not much in the way of real indicators. I just watch to make sure they don't get hurt(sorry, Borowski. ouch!) Starting today, it counts.

What to watch for, this early in the season? Real indicators.

--Creating Runs as Baker likes to put it. Manufacturing runs, for the rest of us. Small ball. Hitting behind the runner, instead of everybody standing around waiting for the three-run jack. You know, the things we get promised every year that "this year's club" will work on.