Time For More Faith Healing

The Cubs continue to play coy with Kerry Wood and his balsa-based shoulder. The only news is that there is no news. Sure, he threw in the outfield yesterday but he has yet to take his turn throwing on the side. Therefore, the team remains "optimistic" Wood can make his next start (Saturday at Houston).

This sure reminds me of all the chatter this spring and last year about Mark Prior. No denials, no confirmations.

My guess will be that Wood makes his start if Zambrano gets suspended for getting tossed from the game last night. If Zamboni only gets a fine, I'd think they push Wood back a day or two. The off day tomorrow gives the Cubs options.

Death does not seem to be among them.

What Took So Long?

Rick Morrissey, a day late on the Chad Fox controversy, goes mildly coherent in today's column. Then, he reverts to form. He writes:

Why was Fox on the mound with the Cubs leading 10-3 in the ninth inning, especially after he had pitched the day before?

Well, Rick. We have the answer to that. Fox needed to prove that he could go on back-to-back days given that Jim Hendry didn't give Dusty many options out of the pen.

Then, Rick asks the better question:

Why was Fox, with his long history of arm problems, pitching at all for the Cubs this season?

Exactly. What was Jim Hendry thinking? So, is this where Rick explores in the rest of his column? Sadly, no. He goes back and rags on Baker for other mistakes he's made in handling his bullpen.

That's all fine and dandy. And even appropriate. But why drop the bogey of asking why Fox was even on the team and not follow through on the thought?

Shoddy work.