What's New?

Prepare for shock.

Mark Prior will be having surgery today.

Prior will have an exploratory arthroscopic procedure in Birmingham, Ala., Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said Monday. Dr. James Andrews has been given permission for a more extensive operation if he determines it is necessary.

"He's had some discomfort for a couple years," Hendry said. "It's finally gotten to a point where it's probably the right decision to let one of the best people in the world go and have a look around to see if anything can maybe be fixed, if it doesn't need something major. Dr. Andrews has the clearance if something needs to be fixed or tightened up."

And as if that wasn't enough.

Also Monday, the Cubs put pitcher Wade Miller on the 15-day disabled list with middle back spasms and recalled reliever Rocky Cherry before Monday's game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Rocky Cherry made his debut tonight by giving up the game-winner to Prince Fielder in an extra-inning loss.

Really, I don't even see this as bad news. Wade Miller has sucked so far. Hard. He's 0-1 with a 10.54 ERA in three starts, so really, what will the Cubs be missing?

Mark Prior's surgery isn't a problem because the Cubs never expected to get anything from him anyway.

Frankly, they should move Miller to the bullpen when he comes back and bring up a Carlos Marmol or Angel Guzman. The way Rich Hill-and very much to my surprise-Jason Marquis and Ted Lilly have pitched they can afford to see what they can get from one of the youngsters.

Carlos Zambrano isn't going to have an ERA over 8 all season, he'll be fine. The Cubs could have the best rotation in the NL Central once he does.

You add the fact that they have more talent in their lineup than any other team in the NL Central right now, and the Cubs have a real shot of taking the division. Sure, the 7-12 start isn't exactly ideal, but if the pitching keeps performing how it has that record will change fast.