Cubs postcard: Getting game ready

MESA, Ariz. - At long last, the games are almost ready to begin.

The Cubs will open Cactus League play Saturday with a pair of split-squad games. They will host the Oakland Athletics at Sloan Park in one game. In another game, a Cubs split squad will travel to neighboring Scottsdale to play the San Francisco Giants.

Workers at Sloan Park are busy getting things ready. One grounds-crew member spent a good portion of Wednesday morning digging up the area around second base and refilling it with dirt.

Judging by the enthusiasm of the crowds watching the workouts on other fields, the fans fan hardly wait for Saturday.