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CUBS 2B Todd Walker spent a lot of time this winter on improving his defense. He worked out three hours a day in Louisiana with a college second baseman and Tug Hulett, son of former big leaguer Tim Hulett. In addition to fielding ground balls and popups, Walker worked on feeds and turning double plays. He says they were the best defensive sessions of his career.... PADRES RHP Jake Peavy will try to reduce his pitch counts so he can stay in games longer and stay fresher this season. Though he can overpower hitters, Peary will try to master the art of throttling back to get more ground-ball outs. Peavy's teammate, RHP Akinori Otsuka, will use a changeup to complement his fastball and slider. He experimented with a circle change last season but never felt comfortable enough to throw it in a game.... Veteran IF Lenny Harris, who worked out with MARLINS teammate Juan Pierre all offseason, wants Pierre to have the mind-set he can hit .350 and challenge for the batting title. For the slap-hitting Pierre to do that, he likely will need to lower his at-bats by increasing his walks total dramatically.... RHP Roberto Hernandez needed just a few minutes with METS pitching coach and one time mentor Rick Peterson to fix a problem that has plagued him for two years: getting the ball up in the zone. Hernandez's ensuing bullpen sessions were much improved. He could give the Mets a dominant eighth-inning pitcher.... CF Andruw Jones, who primarily hit seventh last season, likely will be the BRAVES' cleanup hitter. Jones is a better run producer than RF Raul Mondesi, and 3B Chipper Jones wants to continue to hit third.... GIANTS 3B Edgardo Alfonzo was criticized last season for his heavy legs and lack of quickness. This year, he reported to camp 15 to 18 pounds lighter-he was up to 226 last year--and the Giants expect his range to improve. Alfonzo hopes his improved conditioning also will help him avoid his traditionally poor Aprils at the plate.... IF Placido Polanco wants to be traded, but the PHILLIES are hesitant to deal him because 2B Chase Utley is inexperienced and 3B David Bell has a history of back injuries.... The NATIONALS have considered moving RHP Zach Day to the bullpen to take greater advantage of his power sinker, but pitching coach Randy St. Claire still views Day as a fifth starter.... ASTROS manager Phil Garner might keep three catchers rather than a fifth outfielder or an extra utility infielder. Garner frequently pinch hit for C Brad Ausmus last season, leaving the team vulnerable at the position late in games after backup Raul Chavez was inserted. Minor leaguers Royce Huffman and Mike Coolbaugh, both of whom are capable with the bat, are considered candidates for the job.... BREWERS 3B Wes Helms says he'll spend less time in the batting cage this spring. He says he felt worn out early last year and thinks the fatigue affected his bat speed. Helms will compete against Russell Branyan and perhaps Jeff Cirillo for the third base job.... IF Bo Hart and OF/IF John Mabry are working on ways to make themselves more valuable to the CARDINALS. Hart is learning how to switch hit; Mabry is trying to become the emergency third catcher.... The PIRATES say they kept LHP Oliver Perez off the mound the first week of camp so he wouldn't try to do too much too soon after skipping winter ball in his native Mexico. Perez, who had a stiff shoulder, will be about a week behind the other starters but still should be ready by opening day.... Even though the REDS signed Joe Randa to play third base, OF Austin Kearns will get some work at the position this spring. Kearns, 24, isn't likely to play much at third in 2005, but if he can handle the job within a season or two, the Reds would be able to have their current top four outfielders--Kearns, Ken Griffey, Adam Dunn and Wily Mo Pena--in the lineup at the same time.... The DIAMONDBACKS believe 3B Troy Glaus' swing is perfectly suited to the N.L. Glaus has an are to his swing that makes him a very good low-ball hitter. The N.L. always has been known as more of a low-ball league. ... ROCKIES manager Clint Hurdle is stressing the importance of holding runners on base. The club was hurt by stolen bases last season, and pitchers were more to blame than catchers. The pitchers are working to improve their pickoff moves.... The DODGERS have strong competition for the No. 5 starter job. LHP Kezuhisa Ishii is the slight favorite over LHP Wilson Alvarez and nonroster RHP Scott Erickson, who was impressive early.... The NATIONALS might go with IF Carlos Baerga as their main lefthanded pinch hitter. Baerga filled a similar role with the D-backs the past few years.

Changes for the better

Padres 3B Sean Burroughs changed his offseason workout regimen to rehab his surgically repaired right knee. He chose flexibility over bulk, and he says the knee feels loose. Burroughs needs to drive the ball more, and part of his offseason routine included swinging from a tee with a weighted bat. Burroughs will use his lower body to generate more power and will be looking for more lift and less topspin when he pulls the ball.... Pirates IF Bobby Hill has increased his strength and flexibility thanks to an intense offseason workout program. Hill suffered back pain the past two seasons. He expects his range in the field and speed on the basepaths to greatly improve.