Around NL Central Spring Training, 3/9: Is There A Doctor In The House?

This looks more like a medical report than a baseball report, so let’s get started:

Cubs: Good news! Ted Lilly says he wants to pitch in a Cactus League game, and Lou Piniella says he’ll do that. Lilly was originally not expected back till mid-April. And, Randy Wells threw three one-hit innings in his second spring start; he’s the first Cub starter to go three this spring.

Cardinals: Ryan Franklin was lights-out last year — until late September and, of course, his playoff meltdown. St. Louis sportswriters discuss whether Franklin’s problems are cause for concern.

Reds: Cincinnati.com’s Paul Daugherty tells about his first trip to Goodyear Ballpark, a little about Bronson Arroyo, and says one scout thinks Aroldis Chapman is “the best young left-handed arm I’ve seen since Herb Score”. For Reds fans’ sake, they should hope he stays away from line drives back to the box — that, unfortunately, ruined Score’s career.

Pirates: Andrew McCutchen wants to steal more bases this year. And will Steve Pearce be a backup this year, or force his way into the starting lineup?

Astros: Wesley Wright, a LOOGY for Houston in 2009, used his winter ball experience in the Dominican to stretch himself out to start. The Astros say he’s a strong candidate for the rotation. Also, reliever Brandon Lyon still hopes to be ready by Opening Day.

Brewers: Chris Capuano, a former 18-game winner who hasn’t pitched in the Majors since 2007, is a longshot non-roster invitee. Still, he’s confident he can show Brewers management he still belongs, after a pair of Tommy John surgeries. Meanwhile, Mat Gamel still has shoulder soreness and likely will be held out a few more days. He’s expected to be the primary backup to Casey McGehee.