a flying bat shard in late September.

In order to get more time in the lineup, Colvin is working out at first base and in the outfield this spring. The Cubs hope to keep Colvin away from the same fate that seems to have befallen Gamel. With Colvin (theoretically) backing up Fukudome in right and Carlos Pena at first, neither of whom plays as many innings as his Milwaukee counterpart, the experiment has a good chance of working. Colvin has every reason to expect plenty of innings in 2011.

The biggest hope, then—from fans and management alike—is that Colvin can put up the same kind of numbers that made him such a surprise in 2010. That's a hope that many players share across the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues every spring.

***

Thingsare no different in Reds camp, where the division winners are hoping that their mostly young lineup can maintain (or improve on) its 2010 productivity. The most pressing issue in Goodyear, though, stems from a different concern. Edinson Volquez, whom Dusty Baker announced as the Opening Day starter last week, was scratched from his expected start on Sunday due to visa problems. The Dominican righty has had immigration issues this spring, likely stemming from his performance-enhancing-drug suspension last season.

While he waits for his work visa to get approved, Volquez is in Arizona on a traveler's visa and is not allowed to pitch in games with paying customers. He will be stuck throwing simulated games or pitching in no-admission minor-league games until everything is squared with Uncle Sam. And