The Chicago Tribune reports: "The lack of progress Mark Prior has shown suggests his rehab program will be significantly longer than Wood's, and there is no timetable for Mark Prior's return. The swelling in his right elbow hasn't subsided enough for any concrete plan of action."

So while Kerry Wood may be ready the opening week, the Cubs are quiet about when Prior will be ready. Part of this is avoiding the criticism they incurred last year, when it forever appeared that Prior would be ready any day, and then was out for an extended time. However, if the swelling isn't subsiding, we could be in for another extended absense from Prior. It may be time for Sergio Mitre to step up, but not like he did last year.