Even My Dad Thinks I'm Angry

OK Cubs fans, I am taking deep breaths into a bag, I am not going to hyperventilate, and I am now going to get out of the fetal position, especially since it is difficult to type this while on the floor crying.

As discussed numerous times on this blog, other blogs. sports radio shows, newspapers, etc, Mark Prior was not this healthy speciman that was ready to pitch the second game of the season as we've been told by the Cubs organization over and over again.  According to reports, Prior began to experience pain in his right shoulder during a bullpen session today.  Pitching coach Larry Rothchild stopped the session after Prior complained of the soreness.  Prior will fly back to San Diego today and then visit orthopedic specialist  Dr. Lewis Yocum tomorrow. 

And of course the Cubs organization was shocked, shocked I tell you.  Here are some quotes:

Cubs Trainer Mark O'Neal

"Everybody's been aware Mark has been under a pretty strict throwing program and we've had absolutely no problems up to now"

Cubs manager Dusty Baker

"You hope it's just a minor setback.  We have to stay positive and keep our fingers crossed. I talked to him. He's tired of it, too. You could tell he was a little distraught about the whole thing. He wants to pitch. He wants to pitch with nothing wrong."

Jim Hendry even went on the offensive against the critics who have been speculating that something had been wrong with Prior from the start;

"It's unfortunate.  The first time he's ever complained of discomfort since we got here [in spring camp] is today. It will be perceived any way people want to perceive it. There's no advantage to us holding back until March 14 and then discussing a problem that we knew about earlier. "

Riiiiight.  Everyone in Cubs management said he was fine.  Prior himself said so at the Cubs Convention before getting more money to avoid arbitration. 

Furious at this deception by the Cubs, I called my father, Crawly Sr. in a rage. That's us in the bleachers in the early 80's.   He told me to calm down, that the season hasn't even started yet, and that I have been too negative on this blog ( the second person to make this comment!).  Since I respect his Cub opinions, I will try to take a postiive look at this situation.  Here goes;

1. It shifts the attention away from the Todd Walker disaster.

2.  Kerry Wood and Wade Miller always enjoy company.

3. Angel Guzman maybe be called into action.  The kid has looked good this spring.

4.  I am more optimistic with our hitting lineup this year.

5. The Cubs bullpen is improved. The Cubs lost twenty games last year when they were winning or tied in the seventh inning.  Win half of those and the Cubs would have been the NL wildcard team.

6. Man, this is getting tough.  Uh, this is Baker's last year on his contract.  That's good.

7. Maybe this will wean Cub fans off their love of Wood and Prior.  When the Cubs get rid of these guys, it will be less painful.

8. I will no longer have to hear, "We will be good as long as Prior and Wood are healthy."

9.  The Cubs still have time to trade for another starter.

10.  Still no sign of Wendell Kim.

Whew, who knew being so positive was so tough.  Cut me some slack, this wasn't easy for me.  Now I am going to get some paper towels, wipe up my tears, and try to go to my "happy place".

For a funnier look at this situation, check out this link from the always funny Heckler, available around the ballpark during the season.

http://www.theheckler.com/index.php?page=0000-DH-06-03-14&idrub=65&idsite=1&PHPSESSID=b925cae6da1b3263af17493b2ccdb909