This Is Not a Rerun Post

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 27, 2007 2:07PM

Chicagoist remembers writing nearly the same post about a year ago — sadly it looks like once again the Cubs will open the season without Kerry Wood. The oft-injured pitcher landed on the disabled list on Monday, meaning that once again he will not break camp with the Cubs.

Wood begins the season where he ended last year, with a torn rotator cuff. Opting against surgery, Wood hoped off-season rehab, losing 30 pounds and making the move to the bullpen would help him remain healthy in 2007. The Cubs had enough faith in those changes to re-sign him this winter. So much for those plans.

And what of Wood's partner in pain? Mark Prior remains a question after some bumps in the road this spring, as well. Only Sunday, the Sun-Times said the news was better for Wood than for Prior — a day before Wood's latest trip to the DL.

While Prior remains in the hunt for the 5th starter spot in the Cubs' rotation, Wade Miller seems to be the front-runner. Prior will pitch on Wednesday, after which Cubs' manager Lou Piniella will announce who wins the starting job. If he doesn't impress, will Prior fill Wood's role in the bullpen, end up in Des Moines or will he join Wood on the DL? Chicagoist's money's on the trip to the DL.

Image via AP Photo/Chris Carlson.