Gammons likes Cubs, visits camp

On Thursday, Peter Gammons had nice things to say, again, about the Cubs.

John McLaren has long believed that one of Lou Piniella's greatest strengths is fitting together pieces to make a championship team. This spring the Cubs seem far more settled than last spring when Piniella took over.

Peter even throws Sean Gallagher back into the mix

and perhaps even Sean Gallagher will compete for the other two spots

Lou appears to have realistic expectations for his centerfielders.

He's hoping to get speed and defense out of Felix Pie and Sam Fuld in center

No mention of Eric Patterson.

Over at Cub Reporter, Arizona Phil has the best coverage of Spring Training. Details on the work-outs that you won't get elsewhere.

Saturday, Peter Gammons showed up. He declared Fuld one of his favorites, and, amongst others, chatted with Matt Murton. He's familiar with Matt from his Cape Code League days, and I assume he got to know Fuld there, too.

Phil mentioned how good Marquis looks (of course, it isn't July yet), and the absence of Mike Smith.

Also, RHP Mike Smith is definitely not in camp, and never has been. Smith led the Venezuelan League starting pitchers in lowest WHIP for most of the VWL season and was signed to a minor league contract by the Cubs last November with an invitation to ST with the big club, and so he should be in camp right now, but he is not.

Phil offers up a few explanations, too.

CubsAZ added some new photos to Flickr.