The Cubs’ 2007 season begins next week, and neither Kerry Wood nor Mark Prior will be on the team roster on opening day. Wood was placed on the disabled list earlier this week with what is described as shoulder fatigue, and Prior was sent down to Triple A to work out his pitching problems. It is not known how long either of them will be absent, or if they’ll return at all.
This might seem like distressing news for Cub fans who have envisioned these two pitchers to be part of this star-studded cast on the north side. In reality, it might be the best thing for the team. The Cubs’ brass has spent millions in the off season to rebuild the team and is looking for immediate results once the season begins. Fans too expect a lot from this year’s team. A Chicagosports.com poll yesterday found that nearly 41 percent of fans think the Cubs will finish in first place.
With Prior and Wood off the roster, it will be interesting to see how the team fares without them. If the team does well, and I suspect it will, Cubs’ management may decide that the team does not need their two injury-plagued pitchers after all. In fact, it may be time for the Cubs to cut their losses, and let Prior and Wood go – permanently. Sometimes you need to clear away the old in order to bring in the new, like cleaning out closets to make room for new clothes.
There is nothing in the players’ recent history that convinces me that they are able to stay healthy for the long term, pitch consistently and make a meaningful contribution to the team. Hanging onto them may be more of a burden than this team needs. With every pinch or tweak they experience, the media pounces on them as if they are the only Cubs' story worth covering. But to really move forward, the Cubs may have to part with the past, and that means letting go of two players who are taking up too much closet space.
No comments:
Post a Comment