NL Central Notes: Cardinals training, Kang's return

The Cardinals instituted a new training technique after reaching their home clubhouse after spring training, and it involved a new piece of furniture: a chess table.

A gift has turned into the craze around the clubhouse. Tournaments amongst the players have broken out and players are spending a bunch of their pregame time silently staring at the board.

More news from around the National League Central:

• Jung Ho Kang is about to make his return. Following a seven and a half month haitus from baseball, which included surgery, Kang has rejoined the Pirates in St. Louis and could be activated today.
• Ben Zobrist is happy with where he is, after considering the Nationals and Mets in the winter. With the Cubs, Zobrist has been a key cog to their offense.
• The Milwaukee Brewers have a third base conundrum. Aaron Hill is getting paid $5.5 million by the Brewers and is hitting .208. The rest of their options aren't any more inspiring.
• Cincinnati's bullpen has allowed a run in 22 consecutive games, what is now being called "The Streak." Here is a list of some facts about this streak, including the bullpen ERA of 7.58 in 78 and 1/3 innings over the course of those 22 games.