The Cubs had a lot to be optimistic about coming into this season, they really did. But what a difference 11 games can make. A disappointing 4-7 start has already taken a toll on an entire fan base that is seemingly bracing themselves for another awful year. For all that money they spent in the offseason, things just aren’t going the Cubs’ way right now. Their new manager flipped out after only 9 games. Their new center fielder, all $136 million of him, is hitting only .234 without a home run and only one RBI. Their cleanup hitter is already battling a lingering injury.
Maybe that’s why this week’s news that Mark Prior and Kerry Wood aren’t coming back anytime soon really didn’t cause a commotion. There are just too many other depressing things to focus on. Two guys that were once considered a one way ticket to the promise land for a franchise that hasn’t been there in nearly 100 years now seem to be out of the long term plan.
I’m a White Sox fan, and even I feel bad for these Cubbies. Can you ever remember a franchise in any sport that pinned so much hope on two young players, only to have both become colossal busts during the time when they should be in the prime of their careers?
Though Jim Hendry and Lou Pinella said throughout spring training that this season won’t be all about Prior and Wood, inevitably, it always will be. Until they’re retired or playing night games in a different color uniform, every Cubs season will suffer from the hope and eventual disappointment that both right-handers bring. Even this year, when their expectations have never been lower, Cubs fans are left to imagine how much better the club would be if both were finally healthy. If Prior was a solid #4 starter and if Wood could help solidify a shaky bullpen, maybe that would help turn a lackluster start around. It’s not like they’re both being asked to win 20 games anymore, but the pressure Mark Prior and Kerry Wood shoulder is still some of the heaviest in baseball.
This may not seem wholly logical, but the only way for the Cubs to ever compete is to get rid of both of them. While Wood’s days in Cubbie blue are numbered as his one year contract runs out after 2007, Prior might be sticking around a little longer. Remember at the beginning of last season when a potential Prior for Miguel Tejada deal drew the ire of Cub fans everywhere? If only they could go back and make that deal a reality. Then maybe the franchise could finally move on.
Comments (2)
Jack Cobra (over at www.3manlift.com) also has a piece up on what's wrong with the Cubs. It's pretty much the hitting, as both of you mention. He pointed out that A-Rod has out-homered the entire Cubs team; I would add that Ian Kinsler (my 2B!) has, too.
But that's why there is no need to panic: one, the hitting will come. Soriano, Lee, Ramierez will get their home runs as the season warms up. They will strike out way too much, which is a different problem, but they will get their hits.
The pitching staff is doing well (3.75 ERA), and they can do better still. El Z is still warming up (he historically struggles in April), and the bullpen still needs some work. Rich Hill has looked really good so far. And who knows - maybe Prior and even Wood can help out when they get healthy (or should we say before they go back on the DL again).
So while I don't think you guys will do that well this season, I wouldn't panic yet. The Cubs will get better, and right now the Cards (your biggest competition) aren't doing much better. In fact, the Reds are leading, and while they always have strong first halves, they will find a way to fall apart in the second half as always.s
Posted by stopmikelupica | April 16, 2007 3:51 PM
Posted on April 16, 2007 15:51
Note: I'm a White Sox fan, not a cubs fan.
But yeah i agree with you that the Cubs are gonna be ok. The starting pitching is gonna be better then most people expected. Rich Hill was horrible in his first 2 or 3 stints in the majors, but when they called him up last year towards the end of the season he was dominant. He looks like a solid major league starter now and Lilly's been real good.
Of course Soriano is going to start hitting, hes been pathetic so far but hes too good to keep hitting like Royce Clayton.
Posted by Rickhouse | April 16, 2007 4:25 PM
Posted on April 16, 2007 16:25