Constants in life - Sun, Moon, Births, Deaths, & Prior on DL

For the seventh time in five seasons (and second time this year), starting pitcher Mark Prior has been placed on the Disabled List. Stop here if you've read this before!

This time it's a strained oblique muscle. In March, the University of Southern California product began the 2006 season on the DL with a shoulder injury that sidelined him for 67 games. When he returned to the lineup in June, Prior preceded to put up a mind-numbing 7.71 ERA and 0-4 record in just 21 innings. This DL stint came after prior trips due to elbow inflammation ('05), an elbow fracture ('05), achilles tendinitis ('04), and a shoulder contusion ('03). What's next? A lobotomy?

His upside is enormous, as his bio states, "ASSETS: Not only does his fastball reach the mid-90s, but it darts all over the place and he can throw it right where he wants it. He adds a terrific curve, good changeup, and has remarkable poise and presence on the mound. FLAWS: Once he improves his endurance and stays healthy, he'll be unstoppable. Curiously, he almost needs to have a runner on to pitch his best. CAREER POTENTIAL: Limitless. If he stays healthy, he could be the best pitcher of his generation."

But, for a guy that has already made almost $20 million in salary alone from the Cubs, you would expect more than what averages out to just over 20 starts per season. The San Diego, CA native entered this season with a career 41-23 mark and 3.24 ERA in 97 starts, however, it's the inconsistency of his health that keeps popping up. I mean this is a 25-year old, not an over-the-hill 40+ something like Roger Clemens (43, 1-2, 2.82, 4 starts), Randy Johnson (42, 10-7, 5.13, 19 starts), Greg Maddux (40, 7-9, 4.89, 18 starts), or Jamie Moyer (43, 5-8, 3.50, 18 starts).

At 6-5 and 230 pounds you just don't expect a pitcher to be this fragile. From all accounts, Prior is a very competitive person, but you have to wonder about the mental strength of this young man. Sometimes you just have to suck it up!

With the departure of Maddux imminently on the horizon and a shakeup of the team undoubtedly having to happen before the end of this month, the Cubs' front office needs to seriously consider the market value of a healthy Prior in the winter months. There's really no use tying up roster space for someone that isn't reliable enough to take care of themselves.

Mark, I hope we get to see the real you sometime in 2006. Until then, we'll see you when we see you!

P.S. -- The Cubs opened the second half of the season today losing 6-3 to the Mets. Also, I made the Trib -- check it out!