Kevin Gregg will be the Cubs' closer

Closers, generally speaking, work the high-leverage innings, so their value to a team is obvious (if overstated in most circles). This is the role for your best reliever. Kevin Gregg, however, is not the Cubs' best reliever. Gregg last season had a 3.41 ERA, but given his poor command indicators (37 walks in 68.2 innings) he should have had an ERA of 3.80. That's not desirable for a closer. Carlos Marmol, although volatile and excitable at times, is the Cubs' best reliever, and it's not a particularly close call. In 2009, he'll strike out far more than one batter per inning, and he'll almost certainly post a sub-3.00 ERA. It's Marmol and not the inferior Gregg who should be getting those final outs.

The Braves are poised to make Jordan Schafer their starting center fielder

Jordan Schafer has faced much turmoil in his young career, but he's the right man for the job in Atlanta. The 22-year-old Schafer is raking this spring, and — more important — he's got a strong season at AA-Mississippi under his belt (including a hot second half) and a glowing scouting report. Schafer has speed, raw power and an outstanding glove in center, and from the looks of it, he's ready for regularly duty in Atlanta. He's got much more potential than his two competitors, Gregor Blanco and Josh Anderson, and he's likely to outperform them in the here and now, as well. The Braves under Bobby Cox have never hesitated to hand important jobs over to untested rookies, and that's a good thing.