Pierre leads off with a slump: So-so spring has center fielder concerned, unfazed.

From: Chicago Tribune (Chicago, IL) | Date: March 30, 2006 | Copyright information

Byline: Paul Sullivan

Mar. 30--TEMPE, Ariz. -- Juan Pierre is well aware of the microscope he's under. The lack of a productive leadoff hitter helped sabotage the Cubs' offense from the outset of the '05 season, so the Cubs sent three pitching prospects to Florida to obtain the speedy center fielder in their biggest acquisition of the winter. Seldom has a club put as much faith in one player's ability to change a lineup as the Cubs have with Pierre. "I just go out there and play," Pierre said Wednesday at Tempe Diablo Stadium. "People are going to write whatever ...

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