With spring training now underway, the Chicago Cubs are diving into roster battles and critical evaluations. Their opening spring game featured non-regulars, which sets the tone for a competitive camp. The Cubs face early decisions, especially concerning players like Alexander Canario, who was recently designated for assignment. The delicate balance of development versus immediate success is looming large as they prepare for the regular season.

Key players like Justin Turner are being scrutinized for their roles, particularly with the unpredictability surrounding newcomer Matt Shaw at third base. The Cubs acknowledge their past shortcomings in bench depth and are re-evaluating their strategy for the upcoming season, indicating a significant focus on process over results during these early games. The dynamics of the roster, especially with younger talents, will play a crucial role as they aim for a more successful campaign compared to previous years.