Spring Training is coming. In a few days, pitchers and catchers will be reporting.

For Cubs fans, that means it's time to finalize travel plans to Mesa, AZ. The closer to HoHoKam and Fitch Park, the better.

For all intents and purposes, the Cubs' roster is set. Peavy probably isn't coming and there aren't any free agents that seem likely to sign with the club.

In that light, it's time to take a look at the lineup with an eye towards Opening Day.

Quick Recap

Last year ended in disappointment once again for Cubs fans.

Although giving up 17 runs in the first two games of the Division Series was abominable, a large portion of the credit for the Cubs' collapse fell upon the lineup's lack of left-handed hitters.

They obviously set out to change that this offseason.

Hendry traded away right-handed hitters Mark DeRosa and Ronny Cedeno, and didn't re-sign fellow righty Henry Blanco. In turn, he acquired left-handed hitters Joey Gathright and Paul Bako, and switch-hitters Aaron Miles and Milton Bradley.

Now, going into Spring Training, 11 of the 18 position players on the Cubs' 40-man roster hit left-handed or switch-hit. Out of the ten non-roster invitee position players, another five fit that description.

Now it's just a matter of figuring out who fits where or if they fit at all.

Two Men Out

Some players on the 40-man roster have almost no chance of being on the 25-man roster when camp breaks. Of the 18 position players, two find themselves in that situation.

Brad Snyder is a left-handed outfielder who was once a yearly fixture on Cleveland's top prospects list. He's athletic with a good arm and plus speed, but his offensive production has declined over the past two years.

With a good showing in Mesa and some production early in the regular season, he might get a call-up—just don't expect to see him against the Astros on Apr. 6.

Richie Robnett is a very similar player. Though never a member of Oakland's top-10 prospects list, Robnett still got some attention.

His talent has been raw since he was drafted out of Fresno State in 2004. Good speed, a plus arm, and a swing described as "picturesque" got him where he is today, but a lack of consistent contact and a propensity to strikeout are keeping him from his ultimate goal.

Over the course of his minor league career, he has struck out five times for every two walks. Twice he has reached 146 total strikeouts in a season, the only two seasons in which he had over 300 at bats.

Until he figures out how to fix his approach, he won't take up a big league roster spot.

Notable Invites

There are two familiar names among the non-roster invitees: Luis Rivas and So Taguchi.

Rivas has shown an average to below average bat in the past with the ability to hit five to 10 home runs, but his defense is thought by many to be atrocious.

If he makes the club, it's because Lou Piniella thinks he can produce as the starter at second base. Since he's right-handed and hasn't had a productive season since 2004, his chances are minimal.

Taguchi has shown that he can hit around .270 when given some consistent at bats. Defensively, he takes great routes to the ball, but he's lost a step or two and has an arm that's average at best.

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