Before the first spring training game is played, the Cubs already know which pitchers they will face in their opening series against Arizona. The AP reports that Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin named Javier Vazquez as his opening day starter. The Cubs will face Russ Ortiz and Brandon Webb in games two and three of the series. Former Cub Shawn Estes may pitch game three instead of Webb if a lefty wins the fifth starter's job for Arizona.

Vazquez had a 92 ERA+ in 198 innings for the Yankees last year, his first below average year since 1999, when he was 22.