Spring Training Quick Hits

Today was the Cubs first official workout, and you can see pictures from the day over at the Boys of Spring. Here is a look at what made news after the workouts.

Ted Lilly is going to have an MRI on his right knee. Although it is not thought to be serious, Lilly has been feeling soreness in the knee over the past two days. This is not expected to hinder his rehab time, as he still is uncertain if he will be ready by opening day.

Jeff Samardzija is confident that he will win the 5th starters spot.

"“I want to be a starter,” Samardzija said Thursday on “The Afternoon Saloon” on ESPN 1000. “April is one thing, but August and September are a little bit different. I feel like I can help this team as a starter for sure. I can pitch deep into games, I’m a young guy, my arm is young so all those things play into my favor. Obviously, it comes down to the team and where everybody fits, if we need another righty in the pen or do we need a setup guy. Time will tell but my first inclination is to be a starter.”“It’s spring training. That’s what we’re here for, to figure out who goes where,” Samardzija said. “My arm feels great, my body feels great, just hopefully we can get off to a strong start. I think that’s what it’s all about and really show [manager] Lou [Piniella] that every fifth day he can hand me that ball and be happy with what’s going on on the field.”ESPN CHICAGO"

Meanwhile, one of his competitors, Carlos Silva, is showing why he will probably not have an impact with the Cubs. Reports have it that Silva showed up camp this week out of shape. Lou hinted that Silva was not in good physical shape when he arrived in Arizona. While Lou was not disappointed about Silva, he did say that he needs to be in better shape before they see what he has to offer. Silva, spent the day tossing a towel,  probably the same towel that Mark Prior and Kerry Wood used when they were rehabbing “injuries”.

Lou Piniella also has told outfielder Sam Fuld that he will make the team out of spring training. Fuld, will serve as the teams fifth outfielder. He will likely see most of his time as a pinch runner, or defensive replacement.