Notes from Day 6 in Mesa

• Rich Harden threw off a mound Tuesday, for the second time this spring, and everything went well.



• Derrek Lee's daughter, Jada, has nearly recovered her vision. Very good news.



• Keith Stohr is a new advance scout for the Cubs and he is in camp. According to Carrie Muskat, his job this Spring is to find out what the Cubs coaches need to know about other teams.



• Peter Chase, the Cubs director of media relations, bowled a career high 215 game on Tuesday (including 6 straight s


• trikes!), and is the "star of camp so far" according to Gordon Wittenmyer.



• Jake Fox is trying to make the team as a back-up 3rd baseman.



• Ramirez and Soriano looked ready for Opening Day according to Wittenmyer.



• Derrek Lee is trying to keep his mind off the long ball.



• Marmol and Gregg will compete for the closer's role, but neither will be pitching in the 9th inning in Cactus League games because the other team will have all minor league hitters in by then.



• David Patton, Rule 5 draft pick, is looking to make the jump from Class A to the big leagues.



• Check out this site! Keep scrolling down for some great pics from Mesa.

My NL East Predictions:

1. Phillies- The defending champs will at least win the division again.

2. Mets- K-Rod and Putz in the 8th and 9th will help them hold off the Braves for the Wild Card.

3. Braves- Will improve their 72-90 record, but still not make the postseason.

4. Marlins- Solid young team that could be in the race, but I think they will be more of a threat to win the East in 2010 and beyond.

5. Nationals- It could be another long year for Nats fans.

A few photos

Pictures taken when I was in Arizona for Spring Training last year.

Reed's first Spring Training game in Cubbie Blue.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted.