Two semi-related stories

In my reading of the Internet today, I came over several stories, several that were related to the Cubs in one way or another.

First, Jay Mariotti says the Cubs should get rid of Mark Prior. In his spring training intrasquad game tomorrow morning, Prior will show Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild whether or not he should be given a chance with the Cubs. Mariotti says the Cubs should trade Prior for a couple of backup infielders, at best. I think they'd probably get a couple of class A prospects. I say the Cubs should keep him, and if he doesn't work out at the end of this year, amicably let him go, and let him try to get on somewhere else.

Secondly, Sammy Sosa has been added to the Rangers 40 man roster. Good for him. A lot of people thought as a non-roster invitee, he didn't have a chance in hell of making the Rangers. And now he will be on the Rangers' opening day roster. By being added to the Major League roster, he is guaranteed a base salary of $500,000. He can earn another $2.2 million in incentives based on number of at-bats. Sosa was 1-for-3 on Thursday and is now 14-for-31 (.452) with three home runs and seven RBIs in 10 Cactus League games. He has hit safely in all 10 games. He struck out twice Thursday, giving him eight in 31 at-bats, but the home run was a blast.

Dare I say it? He'd be my vote for Comeback player of the year if he keeps up this torrid pace.

Analysis of the 2nd place NL Central Division team (and maybe 3rd place) coming later tonight.