The More Things Change...

One year ago, this page noted how scripted the Cubs' officials words were regarding the health of Mark Prior. The rule seemed to be that the Cubs, while not telling you the story in whole words, would tell you if you just read between the lines. When Dusty Baker quipped about leaving pitchers behind for extended spring training, you knew that Prior wasn't going to be ready.

They're doing it again.

All three daily papers (Herald, Trib, and Sun Times) use this quote from Dusty Baker:

"We've talked about a few possibilities, rearranging things possibly if he's not ready at that time. I can't tell you at this point whom. I'm sure you guys will speculate.

"There's always a Plan B. I just hope we don't go to C and D."

The bottom line with Wood is that you just can't trust him to be healthy. Hell, you've got a better chance to see thongs on Oak Street Beach in March than you do to see 33 starts from Kerry Wood.

The more interesting thing is whom may replace Wood. The talk in Angel Guzman. I'm a little surprised they'd bring him up before May 1 (to try to save a year on free agency service time), but I'd rather see him then Glendon Rusch.

Fire up, Angel. Your time may finally be here.

Pure Unadulterated Love

Box score from yesterday's pre-season game:

           IP  H  R  ER  BB  SO
Zambrano    4  4  0   0   2   2

A little press and this guy would be the NL Cy Young favorite. Let's go, Panazzo.