Do the Cubs have a better 1-2 punch with Zambrano & Harden than they did with a healthy Prior & Wood?

In 2003 Kerry Wood posted a 14-11 record with a 3.20 ERA and 266 Ks in 211 innings. Mark Prior went 16-6 in 2004 with an ERA of 2.45 and 245 Ks in 211.3 innings.

Interestingly, Carlos Zambrano was the weakest of the Cubs "Big 3", going 13-11 with a 3.11 ERA and 168 Ks in 214 innings.

Barring injury and based upon current numbers, Zambrano may go 18-6 with a .2.96 ERA and 146 Ks in 224 innings. If Harden stays healthy and makes 15 starts the rest of the way he may go 9-2 with a 2.35 ERA and 108 Ks in 90 innings. Harden's 2008 totals would be 14-3/2.35/200 (in 167 innings).

So based on the numbers the Prior/Wood combo is superior to the Zambrano/Harden duo. However, odds are Big Z and Harden will enjoy more than one full season together so they should be more productive in the long term.

They have a 1-2-3 punch with Zambrano, Harden and Dempster

yes they do but the cubs had a 1-2-3 punch in wood, prior, and zambrano but now there 1-2-3 punch is zambrano, harden, and dempster.

No they dont. Wood and Prior seemed unstoppable that year.

Untill they proved weak as hell in the post season. Choke and it will happen again

the question is...when were prior and wood both healthy?

It couldn't be worse. All they have to do is stay healthy and they will be better.

i guess we'll have to wait and see.

no.