Semi-Regular Joe

There's good news from the Cactus League today, as Joe Borowski saw his first action in some time and acquitted himself quite well against the Texas Rangers. Borowski, threw a 9 pitch inning, with one walk, one strikeout, a double play and no hits or runs allowed. The only down side was Borowski's velocity was 88 MPH, which is better than the 83 or so he topped out at last year, but still not up to the 93 MPH his fastball was popping at in 2003. I don't know much about arm injuries, so I'm not sure if Joe just needs to get his arm some work to get his velocity all the way back up, or if that 5 MPH is gone for good. Here's hoping it's the former and that Joe is 100% when the season starts. Borowski can solve a lot of problems if he can be an effective closer again, as our bullpen could actually look legitimate, especially if the younger guys like Leicester, Wellemeyer and Wuertz can pitch well. Borowski can also help the Cubs out in another less tangible way. The 2004 Cubs were widely considered "unlikeable" by their own fans and Regular Joe is one of the most likeable men in the major leagues.