It is Done

In a final cleanup of the Cubs' roster, Mark Prior was placed on the 15 day disabled list. This marks the third consecutive season that Prior will spend time on the list and the second consecutive in which he will begin the season on the list.

Those of you who have learned how to read the signals that the Cubs release to the media knew that this is not a surprise. Others, who refer to a Darth Ivy Chat, can now remove your heads from the sand and see what everyone else already knew to be the truth.

The earliest Prior can pitch in the majors is April 12th. Speculation by this page is that it will be soon after that. Given Prior's history of injury and weather factors, the best guess is that Prior will pitch April 20 or 21 against the Cardinals.

Perhaps it's time for a little faith healing.

:::UPDATE:::
Al, the wager is engaged. If Mark prior makes his first major league start on any date after April 12th, you will buy me (and my 5 year old who would attend the game with me) a frosty beverage from the concession stand behind the center field camera. If Mr. Prior takes the mound at Wrigley on April 12th, the cost for lubricants is mine. And any single kin of yours.