N.L. Central.(BASEBALL)

CHICAGO CUBS

LHP Sean Marshall, who has not pitched above Class AA, did not allow a run in his first 10 1/3 innings this spring and won the No. 4 spot in the rotation. He is scheduled to make his debut Sunday.... RHP Jerome Williams will be the long reliever until a few days before April 15, the first time the Cubs will need a fifth starter. Williams has had one bad inning in each outing this spring, a problem he blames on a lack of concentration.... RHP Michael Wuertz struggled this spring until he started using his legs more and tucking in his left shoulder on the advice of pitching coach Larry Rothschild. MR. APRIL: 1B Derrek Lee used to be a slow starter, but he hit .419 last April. The key: He focused on getting good at-bats during spring training. There's no reason to think he can't duplicate that performance. He missed some time this spring, but it doesn't appear to have set him back.--Carrie Muskat

CINCINNATI REDS

The three-way spring battle at second base did not produce a winner. Manager Jerry Natron will choose among Tony Womack, Ryan Freel and Rich Aurilla based on matchups. Womack is the best hitter of the three and is willing to bunt in almost any situation.... RHP Aaron Harang showed good command this spring and issued just one walk. He believes he knows N.L. hitters well after two seasons in the Reds' rotation, and he better understands what to expect from himself. MR. APRIL: Recently acquired RHP Bronson Arroyo could ambush N.L. hitters who didn't see him while he was pitching for the Red Sox the past three seasons. Arroyo is willing to throw breaking pitches in any count and often will throw them from a sidearm angle. He isn't overpowering, so fastball location is key for him. He also won't give in and leave a pitch over the plate when he's behind in the count.--Mark Sheldon

HOUSTON ASTROS

Manager Phil Gamer says he isn't married to the idea of having just one batter in the cleanup spot, although 3B Morgan Ensberg began the season there. Ensberg had a terrible spring at the plate; if he continues to struggle, RF Jason Lane could move up from the sixth spot.... Garner hopes RHP Brad Lidge, the closer, will use his fastball early in the count more often and not turn to his slider when he struggles to establish his fastball. Garner says Lidge finds his release point on his slider by throwing his fastball. MR. APRIL: After a terrific spring, Lane appears to be ready for a breakout season. He will be more relaxed because he won't need to be concerned that a slump will land him on the bench, as it did at times last year. A good second half and postseason in 2005 will make him a more confident player this season.--Alyson Footer

MILWAUKEE BREWERS