Friday News and Notes

A few interesting rumors:

• Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune reports that the Mariners and other teams were interested in trading for Kosuke Fukudome this off season. The M's were offering guys like Jarrod Washburn, Erik Bedard, and Kenji Johjima. Link
• Alfonso Soriano says he'd move back to 2B if the Cubs signed Manny Ramirez. Aramis Ramirez said, "Sori is OK with going to second? Who wouldn't want to have Manny Ramirez in their lineup? We already have a good lineup, but if we added him, it would be awesome, but it's a long shot."
• LHP Bill White, who had signed a minor league deal with the Cubs, was released today because he failed a physical. The Cubs have added Brian Schlitter to the list of non-roster invitees. Schlitter was acquired in the trade that sent Scott Eyre to the Phillies last season.

It's day 8 in Mesa:

• Carlos Marmol may not pitch for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. He wants to focus on the upcoming season with the Cubs. He is expected to decide by tomorrow.
• Rick Sutcliffe was in uniform and on the field at Fitch Park today.
• Soriano is telling guys that he is going to start stealing a lot of bases again.
• Pitcher threw to hitters for the first time in BP today.

We move on to my NL Central standings:

1. Cubs- Best rotation in division. Best lineup in the division. Best defense in the division. Best team in the division!

2. Cardinals- Nobody is going to even be close to the Cubbies in my mind, but if someone does have a chance, it's the team with Albert Pujols.

3. Brewers- No CC. No Sheets. No chance.

4. Astros- Another NL Central team with a shallow rotation. They have Roy Oswalt, but you know you're in trouble when your #2 guy is Wandy Rodrigez.

5. Reds- Good young talent, could contend this year, but more likely not yet.

6. Pirates- Re-building mode.

That does it for my standing predictions.

I'll continue my "Spring Training Previews" this weekend.

And of course, I'll keep you posted.