Tuesday Quick Hits: Theriot, Packin' the Bags, and More

• There's a snow storm in the Chicago land area, but today an equipment truck left for sunny Mesa, Arizona, where pitchers and catcher will report next week. Click the link for an interesting list of everything included on the truck.
• A group of kids helped send off the Cubs equipment.
• The Cubs first full squad work out is on February 23, and pitcher and catchers start their spring on February 18, which is just 8 days away!
• Cubs GM Jim Hendry feels good about what he was able to do this winter.
• Changes and improvements have begun at Wrigley Field. Bleacher fans will now be able to watch games on flat screen TVs according to the Tribune!
• The Cubs have not spoken to Ryan Theriot's people in a while, and it appears that both sides are ready to go to a hearing. Hendy says that this won't affect the way the club feels about their short stop. This will be the first Cub to go to arbitration since Mark Grace won his case in 1993.
• Cubs single game tickets go on sale Febuary 19!
• Carrie Muskat says that the Cubs are still looking for right handed relief help.
• The Twins have signed former Cub outfielder Jacque Jones, who did not appear in the big leagues last season, to a minor league deal.
• Jim Hendry gave Randy Bush a jacket because the Saints beat Jim's Colts. Hendry says he had a great time at the Super Bowl, even though his team lost.
• The Cubs seem to be leaning towards giving 20-year old Starlin Castro a little more time in the minors according to Bruce Miles.
• The theme in Spring Training will be taking a look at home grown talent.
• Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez are rehabbing well.
• Levine tells us that Ted Lilly will not be rushed.
• Be sure to vote on our new poll on the right sidebar!

Bruce Levine's weekly chat was today, and here are the highlights:

• The Cubs will not sign Felipe Lopez because if chemistry and cash issues.
• Levine still thinks that Castro should be given a shot to be the starting short stop.
• The Cubs are continuing to pursue trades to bolster the bullpen. Right now, they would be putting a lot of pressure on guys like Jeff Gray, Esmalin Caridad, and Angel Guzman.
• San Diego and Toronto are still teams that they would like to strike up a deal with for a reliever.
• Sam Fuld will get a good shot at making the team because he is one of the few guys they have that brings speed and defense.
• There was never any interest in Kris Benson. Bruce says that those rumors started with a favor to an agent by a media member.
• If the Cubs have good health, there's no reason to think they won't contend.
• Bruce thinks that having guys with good "character" is overrated, and Kevin Millar will only help if he can bring something on the field.
• Lilly should be somewhere between 2 and 3 weeks behind.
• Carlos Silva is a total mystery and nobody seems to know what to expect.
• If Jeff Samardzija has solidified his slider and added to his repertoire, than he'll have a chance.
• The Cubs really like Jeff Gray, who they got from the A's in the deal that sent Fox and Miles the other way.
• John Gaub, who came in the DeRosa deal, could be a dark horse that makes the team out of Spring Training.
• Levine's Opening Day lineup: Kosuke, Theriot, Lee, Ramirez, Byrd, Soriano, Soto, Castro, Zambrano
• Despite his success in 2009, the Cubs still feel Jeff Baker is a part time player.
• Bruce is all for the Cubs offering Lilly and Lee extensions after this season.
• A nutritionist will plan the players' meals this season.
• Although Millar most likely will not help the Cubs, he can hit left handed pitching.
• Soriano's days as a leadoff man are done.
• Theriot's hearing will be heard sometime around the weekend of Feb. 20.
• Tracy and Hoffpauir will compete for bench spots.
• Zambrano is Bruce's pick to have a bounce back year.

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted as we count the days...