Mark Prior

[wally world]

OK, I know it was only one game, but hot-diggity-dog, Mark Prior looks like the real deal. Ten K's in six innings. Nasty curve ball. Great pop to his fastball which he kept really low. Very impressive. Did give up a jack to Brian Giles to lead off the sixth, but then retired the next three no problem. Probably would have shaken most guys making their ML debut.

Did anyone else watch this performance? What did you think? Too bad the Cubs are sucking hind teat otherwise.

[whisper]

Yes, I watched it as well. He pitched great. The best part was how he just went back to work after the home run. ESPN analyzed his game, and they mentioned some bad things on how he pitched. But, he is young and and is going to make such mistakes. Luckily they were against Pirates, whose hitting woes are worse than the Cubs. (Although, listening to the game today, the Cubs bats have finally awakened.)

[Dr T Non-Fan]

I think more research into pitchers' habits helps batters a lot. That said, a debuting pitcher should be at an advantage. Especially with speed or an unusual delivery.
Can the Cubs crawl out? 10.5 games will be tough, nothing a little streak against those above them can't cure. Unlikely, though.

[whisper]

I think the Cubs will crawl out of the basement. I might be bold enough to suggest that they will eke out a winning season. McGriff looks like he has remembered how to hit again. He almost had a 2 home run game today, but the 2nd was called back after an umpire conference. The kids are playing well, Hill is a double away from a cycle.

But, the Cardinals have really heated up, getting healthy, and playing well. I don't think the Cubs can catch them now - barring injury.

[wally world]

This one goof called in to one of the sports shows on my way home from work last night, and said he thought the Cubs would have more wins than the White Sox by the All-Star break. Talk about your blinders.

Last year, I seem to remember that the White Sox got off to a similar start as the Cubs this year. A few injuries, bats were silent. IIRC, the Sox started last year 8-21. They managed a winning season after that bad start. I kind of see the same thing with the Cubs. No way Alou is going to be batting below the Mendoza line all season. And McGriff's average has got to climb somewhat, too.

So while it already looks like 'wait til next year' for the Cubs, I still think they can claw back to .500 and make a respectable season out of it, much like the Sox did last year (83? wins).

[whisper]

Looking forward to tonight's game with Prior. It'll be interesting to see how he handles a good team like the Marriners.

Go Cubs!