I should be more effusive about the Cubs' solid 9-3 win over the Brewers this afternoon, but I am in a time bind due to:
- the 1 hour, eleven minute rain delay;
- the fact that when I got home, I had to spend some time rebooting the computer and DSL modem that run my network, and
- I have to leave shortly for a Chicago DGA meeting.
- Ryan Theriot got the leadoff slot, played a competent SS (four assists), and had two hits, two runs, and two RBI. I suppose those of you who have been clamoring for him to be put in this position, now will be satisfied, at least for a day. He's certainly earned a shot at keeping this job.
- Derrek Lee hit his first HR of the year, a rocket into the LF bleachers. He also had two doubles and a single. I'm not the least bit worried about him.
- I still don't understand the Lou fetish that has Cliff Floyd in the #2 slot, but it worked today; he had four hits and two RBI and played a pretty decent left field. He looks far better running than he did in spring training.
- Ted Lilly threw seven very good innings, slipping a little bit in the fifth when he allowed the Brewers three hits and two runs. Bob Howry, who has been struggling, threw a good ninth inning to finish it out.
- Felix Pie took a little ground ball past first base and turned it into a leg double. He may be the fastest man I have ever seen wear a Cubs uniform.
That's really it -- it felt much colder than the 44 degree game time temperature, although sitting in CF (not the upper CF level, but down near the concession stand), blocked from the northeast wind, at least you don't have that biting into your face.
Does this game solve everything? Well, of course it doesn't. But I imagine the plane ride to St. Louis will be quite a bit happier than it otherwise might have been.
About the second part of the title of this post: you already know about Mark Prior's labrum surgery today; there are several good diaries on the topic. Not only will he miss the rest of this year, but I'd bet he'll miss most or all of 2008 as well. It's too bad, because had he had this surgery a year ago, he could have rescued an extra year's worth of his career.
Also, the Brewers' chances of making the playoffs took a blow today when starter Ben Sheets left the game with a groin injury, apparently sustained when he tagged Ryan Theriot out after Theriot ill-advisedly tried to take third base in the bottom of the third inning.
And if that wasn't bad enough for the Brewers, their manager, Ned Yost, broke his collarbone yesterday while making a run near Wrigley Field:
Everyone stay healthy here; I've got a few fun features to share on tomorrow's off day, and Friday morning before the game in St. Louis. Till then.