Santo: Bradley made it tough for Cubs to gel in 2009

MESA, Ariz. - Chemistry class was in session Friday.

Your professors were Cubs manager Lou Piniella and radio analyst and former third baseman Ron Santo.

Whether "chemistry" helps a team win games or results from winning is debatable. Both Piniella and Santo are confident the Cubs will have a better mix this year.

Last year, Piniella lamented a lack of chemistry, and many observers pointed the finger at recalcitrant right fielder Milton Bradley for poisoning the well.

"It was better when he (general manager Jim Hendry) suspended him," Santo said of Bradley during a visit to Fitch Park. "It was obvious. It was just obvious.

"I'm a very strong believer in good chemistry. There's nobody better than Lou Piniella when it comes to chemistry. This was a tough situation, when you bring a man in that hopefully was going to change. I couldn't understand it, the way he is. He's just not a happy man.

"When you start talking about the fans and Wrigley Field and wanting to get off of it, it's not good. ... He was always mad, not a happy man. He'd walk right by you and not even say a word, not even look at you. Several times, he'd walk by Lou. Lou would say something, (Bradley) didn't say anything. But that's over with."

Piniella has stayed away from mentioning names.

"You've got to have fun in this business," Piniella said. "Yeah, it's work, it's a business, no question. You've got to enjoy it. You've got to be able to laugh and poke some fun at yourself. That helps the team relax. It's important, it really is."

Lilly OK: Lefty Ted Lilly good news on Thursday's MRI, which the Cubs said showed nothing but normal wear and tear on his right knee.

Lilly pitched from flat ground Friday as he rehabs from November's shoulder surgery.

"It's good news," he said. "I felt good throwing. I think I'm going to have to make a few adjustments to my conditioning."

Lilly probably will do less running and get more cardio work on the exercise bike.

Novel approach: One of the more interesting sights Friday was outfielder Xavier Nady working with pitching coach Larry Rothschild on his throwing. Navy is coming off the second Tommy John surgery of his career on his right elbow.

"I'm just trying to find out what bad habits I've developed over the past couple of years," Nady said. "Everybody's been very positive and encouraging and offering their time and help. It's going good. I knew I had some bad mechanics I'd developed over the past couple of years."

Millar time: Kevin Millar has the reputation as a strong clubhouse presence. He's in camp as a nonroster player.

"There's no ego here," said Millar, who played for the Kane County Cougars in 1994. "I'm excited to be given a chance to make a big-league ballclub. Here we are."

Millar will compete for a backup job at first base and in the outfield.

Hearing held: Shortstop Ryan Theriot and the Cubs had their salary-arbitration hearing Friday in Florida. Theriot, who made $500,000 last year, was seeking $3.4 million while the Cubs were offering $2.6 million. Results may be known Saturday.