Spring Training Notes: NL Central

A couple of happenings that could impact your fantasy leagues:

- Jason Isringhausen has been pitching well this spring training and looks fully healthy. Do not hesitate to take him as the closers start to dry up, it won't be long before other people realize he is healthy.

- Jeff Samardzija was returned along with about a dozen players to the minor leagues. One player that didn't go back down was Felix Pie. Although he is not expected to make the team out of camp, if the team sees him fit and can unload Jacque Jones, they may do just that.

- Mark Prior will make a minor league start to try and gain more velocity. Piniella thinks it is closely related to his confidence and is not worried.

- Ryan Theriot and Rich Hill officially made spots on the team. Hill will become the #4 starter and Theriot will be a backup at 2b and SS and may even try a couple games in the OF. He is worth a late round pick in NL-Only leagues.

- Rickie Weeks has been struggling and it may be due to a sore wrist that has been bothering him.

- It's not good to be a young Pirates pitcher right about now. Maholm and Gorzelanny both got roughed up in recent starts although it shouldn't effect their status with the team. Both players are worth a look in deeper leagues.