Four flat-screen TVs hanging from the ceiling, spacious lockers and plush leather couches - and this was the visitor's clubhouse, second-rate digs compared to what the New York Yankees call home in the new Yankee Stadium. 

You've waited five months for baseball to return. 

The Cubs got through spring training relatively unscathed from a health standpoint, but manager Lou Piniella was eager to see his regular-season lineup intact after getting C Geovany Soto and CF Kosuke Fukudome back from the World Baseball Classic. 

The Cubs entered the final week of spring training in good health with almost all of their position battles settled, save for a tweak here or there. 

--RHP Kevin Gregg was named the closer for the Cubs over RHP Carlos Marmol, considered by many to be an All-Star closer in waiting. 

Despite giving up a pair of home runs, Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ryan Dempster was more than happy with his outing in Thursday's 9-8 victory over the Cleveland Indians. 

For those who say 101 years is plenty of time to get over an inferiority complex, meet the fans of the 2009 Chicago Cubs. 

A bad back cost Todd Helton in more ways than one. 

The World Baseball Classic certainly didn't go to plan for Canada and the frustration of the national team's shocking two-and-out elimination last month still lingers. 

The Cubs entered the final week of spring training in good health with almost all of their position battles settled, save for a tweak here or there. 

--RHP Kevin Gregg was named the closer for the Cubs over RHP Carlos Marmol, considered by many to be an All-Star closer in waiting. 

The Cubs got through spring training relatively unscathed from a health standpoint, but manager Lou Piniella was eager to see his regular-season lineup intact after getting C Geovany Soto and CF Kosuke Fukudome back from the World Baseball Classic. 

Geovany Soto hit a grand slam and a solo shot, and Carlos Zambrano pitched effectively into the fourth inning Wednesday, helping the Chicago Cubs to a 8-8 tie with the Oakland Athletics. 

2009 Chicago Cubs ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 at Houston, 7:05 p. 

2009 Chicago Cubs ScheduleAll Times EDTApril 6 at Houston, 7:05 p.