Piniella: Center field only spot that's open

MESA, Ariz. -- While the focus this spring has been on the Cubs' starting rotation and who gets the closer's job, there a just a few questions about position players.

The starting lineup is set except for center field, where Felix Pie and Sam Fuld will battle for the time being, with the possibility of a trade for an experienced outfielder perhaps in the offing.

Unless Ronny Cedeno gets traded, he figures to be the utility infielder. Recently signed Alex Cintron also figures to get a long look.

"Center field's the only spot that's really open here," manager Lou Piniella said. "Our catching situation's pretty well taken care of. Utility infield, we've got Cedeno and Cintron. I feel very comfortable in that mix. We've got (Daryle) Ward as a left-handed hitter coming off the bench. We've got (right-hander Matt) Murton.

"We probably need another outfielder here who can play all three outfield positions. I've got to rest these guys a little bit, and Ward and Murton can't really play center field. That's probably the biggest need we have position wise."

Veteran nonroster man Andres Torres has center-field experience.

"We've got a few kids here that we've brought in as six-year minor-league free agents, and they'll be playing a lot here early in the spring," Piniella said. "But we'll see what they do in spring training. If they want a job, it's there for them."

Good session: Pitcher Ryan Dempster got an early start to the day, throwing in the morning and impressing Lou Piniella.

"I watched him throw at 8:30 this morning," Piniella said. "He threw 20 out of 25 strikes, and he had good stuff, good stuff."

Dempster will be given every chance to move from closer to the rotation.

Crime and punishment: A fan who ran onto Wrigley Field last June to confront pitcher Bob Howry pleaded guilty Thursday to a felony count of criminal trespassing, the Cubs said.

Brent Kowalkoski was sentenced in Cook County Criminal Court to two years probation and was given 40 hours of community service. He also is required to pay court costs of about $500 and is banned from attending games at Wrigley Field for two years.

"This strong sentence shows inappropriate behavior won't be tolerated," Cubs spokesman Peter Chase said.