Breakdown Dead Ahead

Bad news for Cubs fans.

Kerry Wood will have a bone scan performed today after shutting down a throwing session yesterday after eight pitches.

This after he shut down a throwing session last week after nine pitches.

The bad news (or worse news) is this will not be a short-term thing. Going by what I have observed with this injury and other like it, Wood may be done for the season. At the very least, I would expect him to be out for two months or so. With the way the Cubs have tried to cover up their players' injuries this year, the news shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Wood's injury will be a long-term thing. Mark my words.

Without Wood, the Cubs are still dangerous. When Mark Prior returns, a top end of the rotation of Prior/Clement/Zambrano is still one most teams would love to have. Maddux as a #4 isn't the worst thing in the world either. But judging by the way Prior and Wood have succumbed to injuries this year after being abused like a rented mule last year by Dusty Baker, it wouldn't surprise me to see Zambrano miss some time this year as well.

Are Cubs fans happy Baker left Wood in for 131 pitches the second week of the season to try to get him a complete game victory? That's the game Wood was ejected from for arguing balls and strike in the ninth. While that alone may not have caused an injury, it's still a great example of how Baker treats his pitchers.

It's OK though. The White Sox are in first place and are playing tomorrow night at home. Half-price night. Just take the red line in the opposite direction. You can't miss it.