--The Cubs added to their inventory of infielders by signing veteran Esteban German to a minor league contract and giving him an invite to camp as a non-roster man. German can play all of the infield spots (as well as the outfield), and the Cubs see him as a possible backup to 3B Aramis Ramirez. Earlier this spring, the Cubs signed veteran 3B Corey Koskie to a minor league deal, and he played for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Now that Canada is finished, the Cubs can get a good look at Koskie. It's likely both German and Koskie will open the season at Class AAA Iowa.
--INF Aaron Miles was shut down for a few days because of soreness in his right shoulder. Both Miles and the Cubs said it was nothing serious. Originally, the Cubs thought Miles overused the shoulder while playing second base, third base and shortstop, but he said he bruised it diving into a base while trying to avoid a tag. --RHP Carlos Marmol rejoined the Cubs after pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and giving up the winning runs as the Dominican was eliminated from WBC play. Marmol will continue competing with RHP Kevin Gregg for the closer's job. He professed not to be affected by the WBC loss. Marmol bounced back from a midseason slump last year.
--RHP Rich Harden pronounced himself OK after his first outing of the spring. He threw 25 pitches March 10 against the Mariners. The Cubs have gone slowly with Harden this spring because of his history of shoulder problems, but they insist he'll be ready to start the fourth game of the regular season.
--With Cs Paul Bako and Koyie Hill both struggling at the plate during spring training, veteran C Mark Johnson has suddenly jumped into the picture to back up Geovany Soto. Johnson came up with the White Sox in 1998, and he played in 10 games for the Cardinals last year after not seeing any major league action for three seasons. Johnson, 33, was in camp with the Cubs in 2005, and he spent that season with their Class AAA Iowa farm team. Manager Lou Piniella said he may have a better idea on the backup catcher by March 22.
BY THE NUMBERS: 110 -- Batters fanned by Cubs pitchers through the first 15 Cactus League games. That was most in the NL and second to the White Sox in the majors. Last season, Cubs pitchers led the majors in strikeouts for the eighth consecutive season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "I'm ready to go. I'm 85, 90 percent and looking forward to the season." -- RHP Carlos Zambrano, on being named the Opening Day starter.
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