After a weekend of celebrating Sammy Sosa and the arrival of Kyle Tucker at Cubs Convention, spring training is now squarely in focus. Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa, Ariz., in less than three weeks to prepare for Opening Day in Japan against a loaded defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers team.

"I was glad we got it done," president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at the Cubs Convention. "Both sides were motivated to get a deal done. Obviously excited he's here, under contract, and glad we put that behind us.

Kyle Tucker waved to the fans who packed the main ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Chicago on Friday night and could not contain a smile as the crowd serenaded him on his birthday. Standing nearby on stage,