The Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers opened up Cactus League play on Wednesday afternoon as both teams got their 2009 season under way. Micah Hoffpauir led the Cubs has he hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to give the Cubs the lead for good.

The Chicago Cubs will kick off the 2009 Spring Training season on Wednesday afternoon when they take on the Los Angeles Dodgers at HoHoKam Park. Jeff Samardzija will get the start and is expected to throw two innings before Mitch Atkins takes over from there.

The Chicago Cubs continue doing workouts down in Mesa, Arizona as they look forward to the 2009 season. All players have reported to camp besides Kosuke Fukudome who will report after the World Baseball Classic. We blog a little bit about what has taken place so far.

Chicago Cubs fans, the greatest five words have been yelled out down in Mesa, AZ this morning. “Pitchers and Catchers Report Today” Those five words are a baseball fans favorite phrase. Some players showed up a day early but all will need to be in Friday and then will take part in their first full workout on Saturday. Who will be the 5th starter and closer?