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Pitchers & catchers and a number of position players have reported to Cubs Spring Training Camp at Fitch Park in Mesa.
So far the pitchers are just throwing bullpen sessions (each pitcher usually throws off a mound every-other day) and participating in PFP drills (Pitchers Fielding Practice), while the position players who have reported are taking batting pratice (with coaches throwing soft-toss BP) and taking infield practice or tracking fly balls in the outfield.
The pitchers will start throwing "live" BP to the hitters next week.
Among the position players who hit today, Geovany Soto put on the best power display, crushing a number of dingers onto Center Street. And NRI 3B Josh Vitters (Cubs 2007 #1 draft pick) also had an impressive BP session, mashing balls all over the place. Vitters will likely begin the 2011 season back at AA Tennessee.
INF Darwin Barney added some muscle to his frame during the off-season, and looks like he could perhaps provide a bit more power than he has displayed so far in his pro career.
Fernando Perez (acquired from Tampa Bay in the Matt Garza deal) is back to switch-hitting again (at least he was today), after batting exclusively right-handed last year while recovering from a broken left wrist suffered in Spring Training 2009. The speedy 27-year old Perez hit a paltry 223/280/299 at AAA Durham in 2010 (career 234/301/351 in 41 MLB games 2008-09), but he is a good defensive outfielder with a plus-arm, and he can play all three OF positions. He will be battling Reed Johnson, Lou Montanez, Brad Snyder, and Jim Adduci for a back-up OF spot. And Perez does have one minor league option left, in case he fails to win a big league job in Spring Training.
BP GROUP 1:
Darwin Barney
Tyler Colvin
Blake DeWitt
Reed Johnson
Bryan Lahair
Josh Vitters
BP GROUP 2:
Jim Adduci
Brett Jackson
Augie Ojeda
Fernando Perez
Marquez Smith
Brad Snyder
BP GROUP 3:
Steve Clevenger
Ryan Dempster
Koyie Hill
Chris Robinson
Geovany Soto
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