Cubs Convention Day 1 recap

The annual Cubs Convention got underway today, this is a time for Cubs fans to meet players and management, and is really the start to the 2010 season for the Cubs.

Lets recap day one of the Convention.

Geovany Soto lost 37 Pounds– After a disappointing sophomore year for the Cubs starting catcher, Geovany Soto showed up at the Cubs Convention as a changed man, changed as in losing 37 pounds over the off-season.

Ted Lilly begins soft toss- Ted Lilly has begun playing catch, the first time he has thrown a ball since having that shoulder surgery in early November. Lilly, is expected to miss the first month games.

Byrd is the Word- Today was the first chance Cubs fans got to meet new center fielder Marlon Byrd, and he received a warm welcome. Byrd is very excited about playing for the Cubs,  and is glad that he gets the chance to continue working with Rudy Jaramillo.

Ryan Theriot a “true” team player- Ryan Theriot demonstrated today why he is a classy player, and a great teammate. First he was asked about the possibility of Ben Sheets coming to Chicago. Theriot being a Louisiana native like Sheets, would welcome him with open arms. He lobbied that the Cubs sign Sheets mainly to solidify their rotation in April. He also said that he would have no problem moving to second base if prized prospect Starlin Castro has a strong spring, and the Cubs install him as their starting shortstop.

Speaking of Sheets the Cubs will watch him throw on Tuesday, and are hoping that he will take a discounted deal due to his interest in playing at Wrigley Field.