But I just can’t help it.

According to FootSmart (yeah, I know, great medical resource), the Achilles’ tendon in extreme cases could require surgery.

Achilles’ tendon pain is caused by such things as running and excessive walking. Excessive walking?! Jeebus, this could be a chronic problem plaguing Mark Prior’s entire career. I sure hope not, but it’s not outside the realm of possibility.

Prior is the future of this team. Period. How important is Prior to the franchise? The Cubs can contend without Prior making 35 starts or perhaps starting at less than full strength when he does return. They can win. They can win it all. This team has that much talent, and pitching is that important in the post-season.

But the Cubs want — and Cubs fans deserve — more than just a year of success, even if it brings a World Series (knock on Wood — and Prior!). They deserve to have a contender for a decade. They deserve, for Jeebus’ sake, the first back-to-back winning seasons since 1971-72! And Prior is more important than any other single player in helping to make that happen.

I hope, but I don’t expect, the Cubs to make it to the Series this year. I hope, but I don’t expect, that they’ll even make the playoffs. But I’ll be crushed if this injury to Prior continues to nag or turns out to be something much graver. And I just hope that the Cubs finish above .500.

You see, I’ve learned my lesson well. Comes from a lifetime of Cubs fandom. Set the bar low, and you’re bound to be pleased by the results.