After a weekend of celebrating Sammy Sosa and the arrival of Kyle Tucker at Cubs Convention, spring training is now squarely in focus. Pitchers and catchers report to Mesa, Ariz., in less than three weeks to prepare for Opening Day in Japan against a loaded defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers team.

"I was glad we got it done," president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer said at the Cubs Convention. "Both sides were motivated to get a deal done. Obviously excited he's here, under contract, and glad we put that behind us.

Kyle Tucker will get to celebrate his birthday on Friday by experiencing the rowdy opening night of Cubs Convention, giving him a taste of what fans will bring to Wrigley Field this summer. What the star outfielder will not have to worry about is a contract.