Web-savvy Cedeno knows his situation

MESA, Ariz. -- Apparently, Internet surfing is great sport among Cubs players.

While outfielder Matt Murton spent time on mlbtraderumors.com this winter, infielder Ronny Cedeno used his computer to find out that manager Lou Piniella wants him to "concentrate" more on baseball this year.

Cedeno reported for spring training Monday after a successful season of winter ball.

A Cub since signing out of Venezuela in 1999, Cedeno is out of options and fighting for a roster spot. He also could wind up in Baltimore as part of a trade for second baseman Brian Roberts.

Cedeno's only full season in the big leagues came in 2006. He split last season between the Cubs and Class AAA Iowa.

"He had good comments on the Internet, and I read that," Cedeno said of Piniella. "He said I've got to be ready and concentrate more and put everything together here. I think I've got a chance to make the team. I agree with (Piniella). I've got to show him, too, that I'll be ready and make the team."

Cedeno had an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .811 for Tigres de Aragua in Venezuela this winter and saw time in center field as well as shortstop.

"He's still an infielder," Piniella said, noting that Cedeno could see some time in the outfield for the Cubs. "He's going to compete for a spot on the ballclub, and it's not going to be as an outfielder. It's going to be as an infielder."

Cubs add Cintron: The Cubs added middle-infield depth Monday by signing veteran Alex Cintron to a minor-league contract and inviting him to big-league spring training.

Cintron, 29, spent last season with the White Sox after undergoing elbow surgery in January 2007. He played only 68 games, spending three stints on the bereavement list and one on the restricted list.

He has a .277 lifetime batting average. His on-base percentage last year was only .281 and is .315 for his career. A switch hitter, Cintron is a lifetime .305 hitter with a .347 OBP against left-handed pitching.

The Cubs have Mark DeRosa at second base and Ryan Theriot at short. Ronny Cedeno is the only bona fide backup shortstop in camp, and if the Cubs trade Cedeno, Cintron could come in handy.

"I think it's a good addition for us," general manager Jim Hendry said. "We've always liked the player. Cintron's a good player. Obviously, he had a few snags last year, probably coming off the … surgery.

"We felt it made sense, especially with Cedeno going to get some outfield time in the spring."

Hendry was asked if the signing was a precursor to another deal, such as getting Brian Roberts.

"No, not necessarily," he said. "We've tried to get somebody here for the outfield, somebody else who could play center. You only line up with what you have."

Addressing the troops: Lou Piniella, Jim Hendry and Tribune Co. liaison Crane Kenney will address the Cubs today as position players begin their first official workouts.

Kenney will bring the players up to speed on the sale of the franchise as well as issues related to Wrigley Field.

Piniella was asked if he had put together his speech.

"Not yet; I haven't had a cocktail," he said at about noon. "I say that jokingly, obviously."

Piniella said his message to veterans was not to try to make the club in spring training by overdoing it.