Prior Sparkles In Big Game Return

Coming off an injury in late May, Mark Prior stole the spotlight against the White Sox. The Cubs won 2-0, getting their source of offense from Corey Patterson who hit a solo homer. Prior's early unexpected return to the mound showed that his arm looked plenty healthy. He allowed only 1 hit while striking out 3 batters. (Strike Outs totals are normally higher, but it's his first game back since the injury). His reemergence in the rotation gives the team a lift, providing another sharp pitching arm in the rotation. With Derek Lee swinging a hot bat and Aramis Ramirez's clutch, power hitting the Cubs look to be in good shape for mid-season. Beating the team with the best record in baseball 2 of 3 games is a daunting task the Cubs achieved. It also builds a load of confidence. That's exactly what the Cubs need to boost their level of play.
The fractured elbow Mark Prior's suffered at the hands of the Colorado Rockies almost a month ago looked to put the Cubs season on the brink. His quick recovery was practically a miracle for the Cubs. They needed him as soon as possible. If Carlos Zambrano can get hot again, this team will be a tougher force to reckon with in the National League. Getting 7 or 8 games over .500 by the All-Star break will put the Cubs right where they should be in the season. The relief staff is further developing and improving, becoming more of a strength late in the game. Finding an answer to those high flying Cardinals is still a major challenge. They've just got too much talent and experience. However, they are not the best team in baseball and can be beat. Their rival clash with Chicago later in the season will prove who is the better competitor this year.