Here's some news and notes from the NL Central:

• Cincinnati Reds closer Ryan Madson says his elbow is "pretty close to 100 percent right now." Madison felt pain in his elbow in his first bullpen session of the spring and some inflammation was found. Madison hopes to get in a game "by the end of next week" which gives him plenty of time to get ready for the start of the season.
• Buster Olney tweeted today that the Chicago Cubs are in "wait-and-see" mode with Matt Garza. The new Cubs front office wants to get a better look at righty before they either sign him to a long term deal or trade him to another club. Garza is signed for $9.5M for 2012.
• Speaking of Cubs pitchers, Travis Wood has had control problems this spring, issuing four walks and a hit batter in 2 2/3 innings, while giving up six hits and six earned runs. Acquired in the Sean Marshall trade, Wood has probably pitched himself out of a rotation slot and now the Cubs must decide what to do with him. The Cubs could put him in the bullpen or send him to the minors.

• DanUpBaby over at Viva el Birdos breaks down if Lance Lynn can fill the big shoes left by ace Chris Carpenter. He worries about Lynn's stuff and if it can play as a starter, but has hope for the transition. Meanwhile Carpenter has started a throwing program, putting his return anytime between pretty soon and who knows.