Cubs box score for 3-10-07 and cubs notes...

Here is the link to the box score to the Cubs vs Royals game-

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2007_03_10_chnmlb_kcamlb_1

Prior got roughed up again. It has only been two starts but no progress is being made. He pitched 2 innings, gave up 4 runs and 3 walks. His velocity is still down which is not good news. Sweet Lou is not impressed and sounds like he is getting very frustrated. Here is the quote from cubs.com-

"He couldn't get his breaking ball over at all, and he's pitching with one pitch and he's not locating that pitch, so it's not really a recipe for success right now."

It really sounds like Lou is disappointed with his outings thus far. I think he just wanted to see a little improvement but he hasn't seen any. I'm upset at this outing as well( like most cubs fans), he should be making some improvement and he is not. Is there something Prior is not telling us? Cuz I know Lou wouldn't keep things from us fans, Lou is a straight shooter.

Lilly is the exact opposite than Prior, looking very impressive on the mound. He looks the #2 starter he is slated to be! He pitched 3 innings, allowed 3 hits, one run and had 2 strikeouts. Not to mention his Era is at a great at 1.80! Maybe Prior should get some advice from Lilly!?!

Prior better get his act together because he has good competition with Cotts and Miller. Not to mention the the dark horse and the surprise of Spring Angel Guzman. Guzman is looking impressive, he has a 2.84 era, fastball around 95 with movement, today he allowed 1 run on 5 hits over 3 innings. He has looked solid and is turning heads.. Watch out for him if he continue to pitch the way he is.

Here is the link to all the cubs ST stats if your interested-

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/stats/sortable_player_stats.jsp?c_id=chc

Last Thought- If Prior show no improvement in his next outing, expect him to do one of two things. 1. Go on the DL or 2. Start the season in AAA Iowa. Having said that, Miller, Guzman, and Cotts would battle for the last spot in the cubs rotation. Cotts would likely go to the pen as a long reliever so in all actuality it would be Miller and Guzzy battling for the 5 spot! That's just my thought.