Lee slides home safely against the Angels. AP Photo/ Paul Connors

Wood's arm problems not stopping Cubs from preparng for Opening Day

Setbacks and distractions have always been customary for the Cubs. Not a year passes that complications don't arise. This season is expected to be special far unlike past seasons hyped by nothing more than empty promises. As a Cubs fan, on the other hand it's tough not to be discouraged about the Kerry Wood and Mark Prior situation. Too much attention seems to be focused on Wood's shoulder stiffness and how the problem has caused his recent outings to be ineffective. Today's article in the Chicago Sun-Times further discusses in detail about his prolonged injuries.

At first, I was optimistic about having Wood ready to go in the bullpen for the season opener. Now I have no clue as to what influence he will have on this club or how many relief appearances he will make. Without question, Kerry is injury prone and is no longer a reliable or durable pitcher. The Cubs never know what he'll be able to contribute if anything when he's health is always an issue. I questioned why this franchise decided to sign him to a new contract instead of cut him loose in the off-season.

I'm more concerned about Mark Prior's status. Having both pitchers on the DL in April sucks. There is a big void to fill now in the rotation. Piniella must be unhappy with the injuries too. He's trying to help structure the best team possible given these constant setbacks. I think he can try using another southpaw in the rotation until Prior is ready to return. From what I saw last season, Sean Marshall is a valid choice even though I don't know if he made the 40-man roster. The Cubs can pull a few young players from Triple-A if necessary.

The idea of being without Prior for an undetermined amount of time bothers me, let alone him not being close to 100% healthy. Reducing his velocity or limiting the number of fastballs he throws may help for a while...who knows? Until then I know Zambrano will be the go-to-guy and do everything within his ability to help the Cubs win. It's good to know, the pressure won't be all on one player with quality pitchers, Wade Miller, Ted Lilly, and Jason Marquis at the helm. Prior must be relentless in the recovery process though avoid throwing too hard...get extra rest, take daily vitamins, or do something that works effective. Without Prior and Wood the Cubs need to be extra prepared against the Reds on Opening Day.

Cubs show potential in a 16-4 clout over Seattle

Much work still has to be done leading up to April 1. The players look to finally be getting into good shape. Everyone is keeping their eye on Prior and Wood day-to-day. It's only a matter time until the duo rediscover their magic on the mound. Monday was definitely a productive day as the Cubs busted out the big bats against the Mariners. It was pretty much a done deal after a 10-run inning which was tapped off by a solo homer by Soriano then an RBI single from Lee, a 2-run blast by Ramirez followed by about half a dozen more hits. I like to see the offense functioning at full force because they'll need this kind of run scoring during the season.

Other notable positive points of the game yesterday was Michael Barrett's two homeruns. He delivered with big hits last year and I think with more runners on base in 2007 he be able to manufacture at least 20 extra RBIs. His efforts shouldn't be wasted with Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez batting in front of him. The pitching was decent as Wade Miller threw 3.3 innings and allowed 3 earned runs on 6 hits. Neal Cotts came on later and pitched 2 scoreless innings and fanned 2 batters. Today let's see if the Cubs can do more of the same as they travel to Tucson to play the Rockies.

Cubs remain optimistic, seek further progress with pitching, defense.

With a mere 14 days left until Opening Day the 40-man roster is set while small distractions fail to hinder the early season outlook. Soriano is looking fresh and ready to go in the outfield. Everyone knows how serious this club is coming into the 2007 season. Too many necks are on the line to allow screw-ups to strain optimism and prosperity. Wade Miller was announced as the Cubs 5th starter in the rotation. He's got a whole season to make up for due to injury in 2006 and I believe he can step up to the challenge.

Unfortunately, the bad news for the Cubs is that Mark Prior is now not expected to fill a spot in the Opening Day rotation. This is a real bummer...it appeared as if he was regaining strength and control of his pitches again. His shoulder is giving him some real problems this Spring. Also, Neal Cotts who competed for a spot in the rotation will assume the role of a reliever in the bullpen. This is probably for the best until he gets enough experience to handle pitching 5 or more innings a game. Now it looks like the rotation will include, Zambrano, Marquis, Lilly, Guzman...maybe, and Miller. That will due for now, but still it's not strong enough for the coming months.

Another facet the Cubs are working on improving is defense. Lou Piniella is a stickler on this and wants to the infield group to get used to working together and learning each other's habits. Errors are huge in games and cost the Cubs a couple losses in 2006. Another question which comes up is what prospects will get the most playing time for the Cubs. Samardzija, Cotts, and Pie I think are the key guys. Also Eric Patterson could be one to watch. They may need him later in the season as a rotating infielder. Until Opening Day, it's practice, practice, practice!

Prior scheduled to make minor league start

After a shaky start against the Royals the Cubs feel it's best that Mark Prior enters Minor League camp and get in a start on Thursday at Fitch Park. Rather this is Lou Piniella's decision in an attempt to get the young right-hander to relax and gain back confidence in himself. His brief appearance last week shown signs of problems with pitch control. He feels the same velocity and command on his pitches isn't there from one inning to the next. This is okay because his arm isn't in the best conditioning at this point. Piniella thinks the kinks can be worked out if Prior gets away from Spring Training camp and all the media.

The main concern is for Prior to start feeling good about his delivery and approach. It's understandable that he's frustrated and wants improvement to happen right away, but it could take some time. Patience is the key. The more practice he gets the more comfortable he'll be on the mound. There has been question whether or not Prior will be included in the early season rotation. Not to worry because old Lou knows what's best and has every intention on making intricate part of the pitching rotation. So far the Cubs are 7-5 in Spring Training. Let's all wish Mark steady progress before Opening Day. I want to see him succeed and be happy playing baseball.

Sosa received no offer from Cubs...and why would he?

Spring Training and the off-season were going well for the Cubs until they received a call from Sammy Sosa. He wanted to return to Chicago like the franchise he walked out on was simply going to offer him a deal. The city has tried their best to put this shroud of controversy and utter heartache behind them. I have no idea why Sammy would think the Cubs care anymore or are generous enough to extend an invitation. The time has passed since I once was a big Sosa supporter and fan. He can enjoy his new home in Texas where he started his career, I say let him cause trouble there.

The Cubs have too many important priorities in line to have their time wasted with side 'distractions'. The current outfield starters have youthful energy and experience. Other than Cliff Floyd health shouldn't be an issue. Before even considering hiring back someone like Sosa (I wouldn't even give it a second thought) you've got to factor in age and overall ability. Most likely Sosa will only be a DH in the American League because he's too much of a liability now to play the outfield. I feel for the Cubs' sake, Matt Murton's batting average this season will make up for his lack of power. Soriano and Jacque Jones will no doubt get their share of dingers.

*Below is an update on the past week's scores in Spring Training. I still don't think the outcomes are a big deal. Jason Marquis has pitched two good games so far and is showing promise. He only allowed 2 hits and a walk against the Brewers on Tuesday.

3/6/07 Cubs 3, Brewers 2

3/7/07 Cubs 9, Athletics 8

3/8/07 Cubs 8, Padres 6

3/9/07 Cubs 9, Rangers 11, Cubs 10, Padres 6

3/10/07 Cubs 5, Royals 6

Wood, Prior debut performances' opposite, Pie emerges with 3 hits

Waiting to see the progress from the Cubs hard-throwers didn't take long. Yesterday in Peoria, AZ they both took the mound. Mark Prior only pitched 1.3 innings, not the best way for him to open Spring Training. Then again, it's all about the practice and exposure. He's got over 3 weeks to get ready and have his arm in tip-top condition. Kerry Wood was perfect in 1 inning of relief, recording 3 straight outs. This all doesn't mean anything because like all Cub fans know the unexpected can happen during the season. Keeping both pitchers healthy is a top priority.

As far as the game, the Cubs squeezed out a 6-5 win against the Mariners. Felix Pie received his first start and went 3-for-5 with 2 runs and a RBI. An eye-opening experience like this should sway Cub management in placing him on the 40-man roster. He definitely need to get some Major League at-bats early in the season. I feel he'll be a key component in the outfield rotation. Michael Barrett also picked up 2 hits in the Monday game. The Cubs are sure to benefit from having his bat in the lineup.

The club is starting take shape now. With additions, Daryl Ward, Cliff Floyd, and Ted Lilly the Cubs have accessible, handy veterans. Hopefully they can extend some baseball knowledge down to the young guys. Spring Training is a time for them to learn as much as possible and demonstrate their capabilities. Today they'll get another chance as Jason Marquis makes his first start this Spring against the Brewers at Ho Ho Kam Park. So far the Cubs are 1-3 in the Cactus League, but most importantly are showing what they can do as a team. You never know...there could a few other signings before Opening Day.

Catcus League update: Giants route Cubs 9-2

The sights and sounds of Spring Training are normal in March as players conduct their usual business while practicing and stretching on the field. The difference for the Cubs now is they actually have a lineup together which finally has a group of heavy hitters. Thursday, in their first exhibition game against the Giants no one on the Cubs dugout was trying to go above and beyond or out perform their NL opponent. Winning games isn't the point of Spring Training, it's the season that counts. Young players are working to prove their value to a team while the rest of the veterans get in those at-bats or pitches on the mound. Seeing as Barry Zito started yesterday it wasn't necessary for the Cubs to swing for the fences.

Making contact was the main focus and despite scoring only 2 runs the players got a chance to get familiar with a pitcher's stuff. I really don't care what the Cub's record will be at the end of Spring Training. They just better be damn well prepared for Opening Day and thereafter. The outfield positions won't be the sole team issue to decide, but also the order in the rotation. Mark Prior should be at least 3rd. He should have enough days rest to maintain strength in his pitching arm. I don't want to even hear anything about Izturis being put in the starting lineup as a regular. My position on him is firm (he stinks). Today the Cubs play the Angels and if all goes well the Cub hitters will have a productive day. 29 more days to Opening Day!