A Solution

The New York Yankees are in trouble:

Six runs were already in for the Tigers on Sunday when Todd Pratt took a seat next to starting pitcher Jeff Karstens, trying to figure out how to handle the next turn of Detroit's potent lineup.

Before Pratt could get into specific details for Sean Casey, Ivan Rodriguez and Brandon Inge in the third inning, Karstens interrupted his catcher. The Yankees now had much larger problems to contend with.

"Man, I'm hurting," Karstens told Pratt, pointing to his stiff right elbow.

This is the THIRD Yankee starter to have health issues. First, Andy Pettitte spent a week on the side with back spasms. Then, Chien-Ming Wang was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain of his right hamstring. Now, Karstens.

The Yankees need a starter. Badly.

The Cubs may be able to help them. Why? Wade Miller is pitching lights out.

That means, the Cubs may have an extra pitcher. No, not Wade.

Mark Prior.

Now, I'm not going to suggest that Prior could be in some sort of Alex Rodriguez deal. Hell, right now they might not be able to get Robert Rodriguez to direct a remake of "The Boys of Zimmer" in exchange for Prior.

But, if Prior is healthy next week, you call the Yankees and make a deal for a high-ceiling prospect. That deal is possible.

Time to make Mark Prior valuable to the Cubs again. It can happen in a Yankee uniform.