2/17 Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs prospects arrive in Mesa

Chicago Cubs prospect Kris Bryant is in Spring Training and Cubs manager Rick Renteria believes Starlin Castro is the team’s best option at the leadoff spot.

Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Around the league, the Atlanta Braves signed All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to a four-year deal, the Cincinnati Reds are “getting close” to a nine-year extension with Homer Bailey, and Ubaldo Jiminez and Ervin Santana are still on the free agent market.

Chicago Tribune: Starlin Castro could be Cubs’ best leadoff?

Chicago Sun-Times: Cubs highly touted prospect Kris Bryant draws a crowd

ESPN Chicago: Vitters, Jackson still fighting to make it

Daily Herald: Castillo looks to take next step for Cubs

CSN Chicago: James Russell respects Ryan Dempster‘s decision to walk away

Fox Sports: Craig Kimbrel, Braves agree to four-year, $42 million deal

NBC Sports: Report: Reds are “getting close” on a nine-figure extension with Homer Bailey

CBS Sports: Jays have some company looking at Ubaldo Jimenez in his mysterious market

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Jason Motte takes the mound to test-drive elbow

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Zach Duke sees an opening with the Brewers

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Pirates pitcher Jeff Locke puts back injury in the past

For more Chicago Cubs conversation and updates follow us on Twitter @CubbiesCrib and Like our Facebook page at Cubbies Crib.