“The fact that this game came against the RedHawks made it even better, because that team is stacked with players who have spent time in the Majors,” said Gallagher. “When you face a team like that, it serves as a real test of your abilities.”

“He got me a couple times,” Samardzija laughed. “It was good to get a chance to see him throw from the batter’s box. He’s got some pop on his fastball.”

Despite the 2 earned runs, Kershaw’s eight K performance is encouraging and he definitely has a chance to make it to the Majors this year.

• Beau Mills, 3B/1B, Indians
• Trevor Crowe, OF, Indians
• Matt LaPorta, OF, Brewers
• Phillipe Aumont, RHP, Mariners
• Robinzon Diaz, C, Blue Jays
• Charlie Morton, RHP, Braves
• Tyler Flowers, C/1B, Braves
• Brett Sinkbeil, RHP, Marlins
• Lance Broadway, RHP, White Sox
• Rick Porcello, RHP, Tigers
• Dexter Fowler, OF, Rockies
• Chris Nelson, SS, Rockies
• Jeff Samardzija, RHP, Cubs
• John Bowker, OF, Giants

“Last year, he threw hard and overpowered hitters here in camp, but this year he pitched more. He had a better sinker, tighter slider. He worked on a changeup. He was starting to develop a split-finger, which he didn’t use in these games, but he’s getting better with.”

Samardzija still has a chance to be brought up from the minors if the Cubs are having pitching trouble and Piniella thinks he is worthwhile. Don’t hold your breath.

”We need for him to swing it,” Piniella said. ”Maybe the 3-hole might be asking a little bit too much too soon. We might drop him down to the 2-hole, and he might be more comfortable there.”

Piniella’s instincts have so far turned out to be right.  In his first game batting 2nd, Fukudome went 3-for-3 with a home run and RBI single.  Now through 7 games this spring his line looks like this: .333 AVG (5-for-15), 1 double, 1 home run, 3 RBI, and 5 walks, for an on base percentage of .545.  As a starting outfielder for the Cubs he should provide fantasy owners with some good production.

• 1. Jacoby Ellsbury, Bos, OF
  If CoCo Crisp is out of the picture and Ellsbury bats lead off, could have 40 SBs and 100+ runs
• 2. Clay Buchholz, Bos, SP
  Will get babied by BoSox for 125-150 IP, 10 wins, and a k/ip
• 3. Joba Chamberlain, NYY, RP
  Will be starting in the bullpen, limited to 140 IP or less, probably will make the rotation at some point
• 4. Evan Longoria, TB, 3rd Base
  Funston predicts .280/20/75/75/0, if he starts
• 5. Geovany Soto, ChC, Catcher
  Probably won’t be a top 100 fantasy player, but could have good value if drafted late
• 6. Joey Votto, Cin, 1st Base
  Stuck behind 38 year old Scott Hatteberg but could get 20 HR and 10-15 steals with 450 ABs
• 7. Andy LaRoche, LAD, 3B
  It’s between him and Nomar Garciaparra for the starting 3B role, has 20-25 hr power if he gets the job
• 8. Jay Bruce, Cin, OF
  Norris Hopper/Ryan Freel will limit his chances of starting in the majors, but with the talent he has he should be up before the All-Star break
• 9. Colby Rasmus, StL, OF
  Could be a 20/20 guy if he surpasses one of the current outfielders: Chris Duncan, Rick Ankiel, or Ryan Ludwick
• 10. Ian Kennedy, NYY, SP
  Has held hitters to under .190 in 168 minor league innings. With the Yankees bat support he could reach double digit wins.