-The Cubs think Prior can be ready by opening day. According to the article, Prior pitched two innings and threw about 35 pitches Sunday in a simulated game (He’s got to be getting close to Kerry’s record!). He will throw a side session Tuesday, take Wednesday off and pitch again Thursday. If all goes well he’s cheduled to start three exhibition games on March 21, 26, and 31. Finally, they would like to have Prior throw 80 pitches per start by the end of spring training.
-Jim thinks it has been a real good spring training for the Cubs.
“I think it’s been a real good camp,” Hendry said. “Obviously, we would liked not to have had the snag with Woody and maybe set him back a week or 10 days. We’re looking forward to Prior getting out there hopefully this week.
About the second base situation:
“I think Jerry Hairston has come in like I heard he was in the winter — he’s lighter; I think he’s faster, quicker,” Hendry said. “He seems to be much improved defensively from when he was first here last year.
“Obviously, Walk’s going to get his hits. Neifi’s role can go every which way. He knows he’s going to get his time and his opportunities. He’s glad to be here and part of it and trusts Dusty enough to put him in the right spots.”
Well, yea, if you put up a .274/.298/.383 line and your manager still plays you every day over much more deserving players, you’d trust him too. But I digress.
Jim on all the Walker trade talks:
“I’ve had just the normal phone calls lately of guys checking in, ‘What are you looking for, what have you got extra?’æ” he said. “I’ve probably talked to 10 GMs since I’ve been out here, and it’ll probably pick up a little more. I think most guys do it the way I do. You play about 10 games and get a little better handle on it.”
I’ve already started mentally preparing myself in the event that Todd is traded and we have to see more Neifi and Hairston at second (though admittedly, we could survive with Hairston), but as we get closer to the beginning of the regular season I’m liking Todd’s chances of staying with the club.
-Lastly, Walker went on WSCR-AM 670 on Sunday and said that Dusty had told him he’d be the opening day starter. This was news to Baker.
“I don’t recall saying that,” Baker said. “I’ve got to talk to `Walk’ about that. I don’t even know who’s pitching for [the Reds] on Opening Day.”
Walker later clarified things somewhat.
Walker said Baker told him over the winter: “I was his guy, whatever that means.” But Walker added that Baker told him things could change.
“So I’m trying to make sure it doesn’t,” Walker said. “If I did say something to that effect, I certainly meant that we had a conversation in the off-season and he said, `If you’re there, you’re my guy.’
That’s pretty much all the noteworthy Cubs news today.
