Biographical

Portrait of Mark Prior

Mark Prior P

Player Cards | Team Audit | Depth Chart

Career Summary
Years G IP W L SV ERA WARP
9 106 657 42 29 0 3.51 20.8
Birth Date9-7-1980
Height6' 5"
Weight230 lbs
Age43 years, 6 months, 21 days
BatsR
ThrowsR
WARP Summary

MLB Statistics

Historical (past-seasons) WARP is now based on DRA..
cFIP and DRA are not available on a by-team basis and display as zeroes(0). See TOT line for season totals of these stats.
Multiple stints are are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg G GS IP W L SV H BB SO HR PPF H/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/9 GB% BABIP WHIP FIP ERA cFIP DRA DRA- WARP
2002 CHN MLB 19 19 116.7 6 6 0 98 38 147 14 102 7.6 2.9 1.1 11.3 0% .300 1.17 3.07 3.32 76 2.63 56.5 3.9
2003 CHN MLB 30 30 211.3 18 6 0 183 50 245 15 103 7.8 2.1 0.6 10.4 0% .309 1.10 2.41 2.43 61 2.24 46.9 8.2
2004 CHN MLB 21 21 118.7 6 4 0 112 48 139 14 98 8.5 3.6 1.1 10.5 0% .320 1.35 3.42 4.02 82 2.92 60.2 3.7
2005 CHN MLB 27 27 166.7 11 7 0 143 59 188 25 106 7.7 3.2 1.4 10.2 0% .278 1.21 3.81 3.67 81 2.86 61.6 4.9
2006 CHN MLB 9 9 43.7 1 6 0 46 28 38 9 95 9.5 5.8 1.9 7.8 0% .289 1.69 6.51 7.21 117 5.85 119.2 0.0
CareerMLB106106657.042290582223757771028.03.11.110.441%.3001.233.343.51772.8359.520.8

Statistics for All Levels

'opp' stats - Quality of opponents faced - have been moved and are available only as OPP_QUAL in the Statistics reports now.
Minor league stats are currently shownClick to hide.
YEAR Team Lg LG G GS IP W L SV H BB SO HR PPF H/9 BB/9 HR/9 K/9 GB% BABIP WHIP FIP ERA cFIP DRA DRA-
2002 CHN MLB NL 19 19 116.7 6 6 0 98 38 147 14 102 7.6 2.9 1.1 11.3 0% .300 1.17 3.07 3.32 76 2.63 56.5
2002 WTN AA SOU 6 6 34.7 4 1 0 26 10 55 0 6.7 2.6 0.0 14.3 0% .333 1.04 0.88 2.59 0 0.00 0.0
2002 IOW AAA PCL 3 3 16.3 1 1 0 13 8 24 1 7.2 4.4 0.6 13.3 0% .293 1.29 2.96 1.66 0 0.00 0.0
2003 CHN MLB NL 30 30 211.3 18 6 0 183 50 245 15 103 7.8 2.1 0.6 10.4 0% .309 1.10 2.41 2.43 61 2.24 46.9
2004 CHN MLB NL 21 21 118.7 6 4 0 112 48 139 14 98 8.5 3.6 1.1 10.5 0% .320 1.35 3.42 4.02 82 2.92 60.2
2004 LNS A MDW 2 2 7.3 0 0 0 2 1 13 0 2.5 1.2 0.0 16.0 0% .200 0.41 0.32 1.23 0 0.00 0.0
2004 IOW AAA PCL 1 1 5.3 1 0 0 3 1 10 2 5.1 1.7 3.4 17.0 0% .143 0.75 5.20 3.40 0 0.00 0.0
2005 CHN MLB NL 27 27 166.7 11 7 0 143 59 188 25 106 7.7 3.2 1.4 10.2 0% .278 1.21 3.81 3.67 81 2.86 61.6
2005 IOW AAA PCL 1 1 6.0 0 1 0 9 1 7 0 13.5 1.5 0.0 10.5 0% -1.000 1.67 2.17 10.50 0 0.00 0.0
2006 CHN MLB NL 9 9 43.7 1 6 0 46 28 38 9 95 9.5 5.8 1.9 7.8 0% .289 1.69 6.51 7.21 117 5.85 119.2
2006 PEO A MDW 2 2 7.2 0 2 0 7 0 8 1 95 8.8 0.0 1.3 10.0 0% .300 0.97 2.88 3.75 72 3.78 79.3
2006 WTN AA SOU 1 1 5.0 1 0 0 4 2 4 1 7.2 3.6 1.8 7.2 0% .214 1.20 5.17 5.40 0 0.00 0.0
2006 IOW AAA PCL 1 1 6.0 0 0 0 4 1 10 0 82 6.0 1.5 0.0 15.0 0% .308 0.83 0.50 0.00 43 1.89 39.8
2010 OKL AAA PCL 1 0 1.0 0 0 0 2 1 2 0 18.0 9.0 0.0 18.0 0% .667 3.00 2.58 0.00 0 0.00 0.0
2011 TAM A+ FSL 3 0 3.0 0 0 0 2 2 2 0 6.0 6.0 0.0 6.0 0% .182 1.33 4.04 6.00 109 4.26 86.9
2011 SWB AAA INT 1 0 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0% .000 0.00 3.23 0.00 104 4.48 91.5
2011 YAN Rk GCL 7 6 8.0 0 0 0 3 2 13 0 121 3.4 2.3 0.0 14.6 0% .188 0.63 2.03 1.13 63 1.09 22.4
2012 PAW AAA INT 19 0 25.0 1 0 1 15 23 38 4 5.4 8.3 1.4 13.7 0% .234 1.52 5.19 3.96 109 4.29 89.3
2013 LOU AAA INT 7 0 9.7 0 0 0 9 4 9 0 8.4 3.7 0.0 8.4 0% .310 1.34 2.58 4.66 91 3.76 81.6

Plate Discipline

YEAR Pits Zone% Swing% Contact% Z-Swing% O-Swing% Z-Contact% O-Contact% SwStr%

Injury History  —  No longer being updated

Last Update: 12/31/2014 23:59 ET

Date On Date Off Transaction Days Games Side Body Part Injury Severity Surgery Date Reaggravation
2013-04-22 2013-06-28 Minors 67 0 Right Shoulder Strain - -
2012-06-22 2012-08-17 Minors 56 53 - Abdomen Strain Oblique - -
2011-04-19 2011-09-06 Minors 140 129 Right Groin Strain -
2011-03-14 2011-03-15 Camp 1 0 General Medical Illness -
2009-04-09 2009-04-09 FA 0 0 Right Shoulder Recovery From Surgery Anterior Capsule and Humeral Avulsion of The Glenohumeral Ligaments 2008-06-04
2008-03-26 2008-09-28 60-DL 186 161 Right Shoulder Surgery Anterior Capsule and Humeral Avulsion of The Glenohumeral Ligaments 2008-06-04
2007-04-24 2007-04-24 FA 0 0 Right Shoulder Surgery Labrum and Rotator Cuff 2007-04-24
2006-08-12 2006-10-01 15-DL 50 46 Right Shoulder Inflammation -
2006-07-05 2006-07-21 15-DL 16 11 Left Abdomen Strain Oblique -
2006-03-27 2006-06-18 60-DL 83 67 Right Shoulder Strain Rotator Cuff -
2005-05-28 2005-06-26 15-DL 29 27 Right Elbow Fracture Hairline By Batted Ball -
2005-03-24 2005-04-12 15-DL 19 7 Right Elbow Inflammation -
2004-03-26 2004-06-04 60-DL 70 52 Right Ankle Inflammation Achilles Tendinitis -
2003-07-12 2003-08-04 15-DL 23 18 Right Shoulder Soreness -
2002-09-02 2002-09-17 15-DL 15 14 Left Thigh Strain Hamstring -

Compensation

Year Team Salary
2008 SDN $1,000,000
2006 CHN $3,650,000
2005 CHN $2,750,000
2004 CHN $1,600,000
2003 CHN $1,450,000
YearsDescriptionSalary
5 yrPrevious$10,450,000
5 yrTotal$10,450,000

 

Service TimeAgentContract Status
6 y 131 dJohn Boggs2013

Details
  • 1 year (2013). signed by Cincinnati as a free agent 3/1/13 (minor-league contract).
  • 1 year (2012). Signed by Boston as a free agent 5/2/12 (minor-league contract). Released by Boston 8/18/12.
  • 1 year (2011). Signed by NY Yankees as a free agent 12/14/10 (minor-league contract). $0.75M salary in majors, $0.75M in performance bonuses.
  • 1 year (2010). Signed by Texas as a free agent 9/4/10 (minor-league contract).
  • 1 year (2009). Re-signed by San Diego 1/13/09 (minor-league contract). $1M salary on Major League roster (salary not guaranteed). Released by San Diego 8/1/09.
  • 1 year/$1M (2008). Signed by San Diego as a free agent 12/26/07. $4.5M in performance bonuses.
  • 1 year/$3.575M (2007). Re-signed by Chicago Cubs 1/07 (avoided arbitration, $3.875M-$3.4M). Non-tendered by Chicago Cubs 12/12/07. Performance bonuses: $0.15M each for 27, 30 GS.
  • 1 year/$3.65M (2006). Re-signed by Chicago Cubs 1/06 (avoided arbitration, $4M-$3.3M). Award bonuses for MVP, Cy Young, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, All Star selection.
  • 5 years/$10.5M (2002-06). Signed Major League contract with Chicago Cubs 8/01. $4M signing bonus. 02:$0.25M, 03:$0.65M, 04:$1.6M, 05:$2M, 06:$2M. May earn additional $0.75M in bonuses in 2005. 2003 All Star selection increased 2004-06 salaries by $0.5M/season. Additional $0.1M All Star bonus. Prior may void either of final 2 years (05-06) if he qualifies for arbitration after 2004 or 2005 seasons (exercised right to void final season (2006) of original contract 11/05 after qualifying for arbitration).
  • Drafted by Chicago Cubs 2001 (1-2) (USC). Signed 8/01.

2019 Preseason Forecast

Last Update: 1/27/2017 12:35 ET

PCT W L SV G GS IP H BB SO HR BABIP WHIP ERA DRA VORP WARP
Weighted Mean?????0.0?00?.0000.000.00?0.00.0

BP Annual Player Comments

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BP Articles

Click here to see articles tagged with Mark Prior

BP Chats

DateQuestionAnswer
2020-06-10 19:00:00 (link to chat)The Yankees first pick of the draft each year, not one has panned out since Jeter. Hughes is questionable for panning out and Judge was a 1st round comp pick, but not their first pick of that draft, it was IPK. That being said, please tell me the Yankees wont be drafting another toolsy SS/OF like howard or Tucker, and be smart and take a safe college SP in round 1 and then go for upside with Blaze Jordan in round 2....
(brad from NJ)
They've picked some good players since Jeter they just couldn't get to sign because of their bonus pool -- Mark Prior and Gerrit Cole come to mind. They've been doing a good job of waiting back and seeing who falls to them late in the round, there isn't much else you can do when you win a lot of games and don't get to pick higher in the round. Blaze Jordan is an interesting name to watch to see where he ends up tomorrow... (Keanan Lamb)
2016-09-23 12:30:00 (link to chat)What's the O/U for future Jered Weaver MLB innings? Additionally, who throws more MLB IP the next five years: Jered Weaver, Johan Santana, or Lucas Harrell?
(Lion from Wherever astronauts are)
Oh man, I was just thinking the other day about one of my very first BP pieces, which considered who would get more innings over the next five years, Scott Kazmir (out of baseball entirely at the time), Jamie Moyer (46 or so and recovering from TJ) and Mark Prior (pitching well in Double-A). I thought about redoing it but couldn't decide on the three pitchers to debate. This isn't quite right, but Weaver's a good starting point.

Most likely number is 0, at maybe 20 percent; but the over/under I'd set is probably 145. (Sam Miller)
2015-03-11 12:00:00 (link to chat)Jim, excited about the upcoming changes! Who do you think will be the best pitching duo this year? Will they hold a candle to the magic that was Mark Prior and Kerry Wood in 2003?
(Top Shelf For Nuthin from New Orleans )
I think this question was intended for Dusty Baker. (Jim Walsh)
2013-08-12 14:00:00 (link to chat)Mark Prior was always said to have perfect mechanics. Would you agree?
(Joe from Oregon)
I don't think that "perfect mechanics" have ever existed, but Prior's were elite. He would receive a straight "A" on his mechanics report card.

It is crazy that his mechanics take so much blame for his injuries, when virtually every other variable in the injury equation is lighting up the screen. He endured some of the heaviest workloads in the game while at a very young age (within the confines of the injury nexus), and he did so during seasons in which he incurred injury. His 2 biggest injuries had nothing to do with throwing a baseball - it was a 105-mph line drive off the bat of Brad Hawpe that caused a compression fracture in his elbow (he missed 3 wks, came back, and was top 3 in PAP that year); and it was a collision with Marcus Giles on the base paths that tore up his shoulder, with an injury to the teres minor as well as a tear in the AC joint that went undiscovered for a couple years - and yet he still came back weeks later and was among the top PAP pitchers once again.

Given all that, to blame his mechanics seems egregious. (Doug Thorburn)
2013-08-12 14:00:00 (link to chat)Given what you just said about Mark Prior, I take it you don't buy into the theory about the "Inverted W" and improper scapular loading and such as being a problem, that many people point to with guys like Prior, Stephen Strasburg and others?
(Ashitaka from Houston)
I do buy into the Inverted W and scapular loading, to the extent that it contributes to elbow drag, but I don't think that those isolated factors can be solely to blame for injury. That said, elbow drag is a major injury precursor and is the result of multiple indicators; these include the I-W, scap loading, and excessive delay of trunk rotation (late arm). Prior actually had all 3, so the potential for elbow drag was definitely there, but his efficiency and repetition of timing was so incredible that he rarely created elbow drag. I know this because he was an NPA guy, and I have spent countless hours studying his delivery with high-speed motion capture (prepare to throw barbs of bias!), and I have observed how hard he has worked to maintain his physical prowess.

In his case, there are just way too many other variables staring us in the face to blame an inverted W for his problems, and the population of baseball enthusiasts have gone backwards in the understanding of mechanics because of the insistence that Prior was mechanically flawed.

On the jukebox: Thrice, "The Artist in the Ambulance" (Doug Thorburn)
2012-10-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)Professor Parks, With the season-long hubub of Stephen Strasburg's successful return from injury, I recall the sad case of Mark Prior and his derailed career. The popular party line when Prior was actually a good pitcher was that "all the scouts say he has perfect mechanics". Now that he's been released from his 5th (?) organization, there are plenty of people who look back and readily point out some pretty substantial problems with Prior's mechanics. Problems that, you would think, are now so obvious that it's curious that anyone at the time would have claimed Prior was so mechanically sound when he was not. So this begs a couple of questions. Did we all just hear what we wanted to hear and nobody who really mattered in baseball was actually saying that Prior's mechanics were sound? Or did scouts and industry professionals really just miss the mark so badly? Or is the truth somewhere in the middle, and the consensus in the industry is that Prior was in the same boat as many other pitchers in having a few flaws, but they didn't want to change him (because that's easier said than done) and he was just unlucky in being hit hard by the same injury bug that gets many other pitchers? And lastly, are there any lessons in the Prior story that can be applied to Strasburg? Maybe the lesson with him is that few people not named Greg Maddux have perfect mechanics, lots of pitchers get hurt, and we need to stop freaking out about them before or after the fact?
(Erik from Longwood, FL)
Every pitcher is different. You can look at bad mechanics and raise the red flag, and then watch that pitcher throw 200 innings a year without an issue. Arm injuries happen, and pitchers break for a variety of reasons, and more often than not, our injury projections aren't on the same level as our tool projections. It has to be player specific. Some pitchers just make it work, while others can look clean and effortless and then the arm explodes and lands in the fourth row on the lap of a crying child. What caused it? Was it bad mechanics after all? Was it the result of overwork? I'm not fond of the mechanical revisionists who cry foul after the fact. It's easy to be right when you don't have to worry about being wrong. (Jason Parks)
2012-10-23 13:00:00 (link to chat)People reference Mark Prior's pitch counts, however he was hit in the elbow by a line drive, flipped up in the air on the base path by Marcus Giles and landed on his shoulder, and one injury dealt with his Achilles. I think it was mostly bad luck.
(kbs from key largo)
Yeah, too many factors at play to throw blame on one specific villan. (Jason Parks)
2010-04-22 13:00:00 (link to chat)What do you think of the Cubs decision to move Zambrano to the pen? Does it have anything to do with his recent high pitch counts or their concerns over his long term health?
(cubfan131 from IA)
Zambrano was worked just as hard as Mark Prior and Kerry Wood at a young age. The smoking comparison works here - some people get cancer, some don't, and not all on the same timeline. I'm not sure if Zambrano's done, but right now, he's certainly paying a price. Some is simple aging - there's a lot of great pitchers who burned out quickly (Sandy Koufax, anyone?) and some is lack of adjustment. Someone on Twitter suggested using Zambrano in a Mike Marshall style role. I don't think the Cubs will even think of that, but maybe Chuck Wasserstrom will surprise us all. (Will Carroll)
2010-03-30 13:00:00 (link to chat)Forget Storen, when will Strasburg hit the show?
(Rodney from Fantasyland)
Mark Prior debuted May 22.... (Shawn Hoffman)
2009-10-13 14:00:00 (link to chat)Can Strasburg deliver a Mark Prior 2002 year or is that asking way too much? Also, what's your take on the development of Wieters and his long-term outlook. I know BP took some crap about his projection this year in the annual, but it's easy to see that he's got a world of talent.
(Tex Premium Lager from NJ)
Strasburg's apparently so far beyond any established standard that I think the fact that we can kick that question around provides answer enough. Is he guaranteed to be Prior-level '02 good? No, of course not, but it's possible, and that's extraordinary enough. I'm still sunny on Wieters; one of the problems with precedent-driven projections is that when you come across a player with few viable precedents, strangeness results. It'll be interesting to see what projections come next. (Christina Kahrl)
2009-08-17 14:00:00 (link to chat)So will Dusty Baker be remembered more for his years in San Friancisco or ruining Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Edinson Volquez, and Jonny Cueto?
(Joel from Chicago)
The latter, I think -- and personally, I'd say justifiably so. What happened to Prior and Woody (which hopefully won't be completely duplicated in Cinci) wasn't all Dusty's fault, so he shouldn't bear the entire responsibility. But at the same time his success in SF had a lot more to do with another controversial figure working in the Bay Area at the time than with Dusty himself. (Ken Funck)
2009-06-08 14:00:00 (link to chat)Regarding this Strausberg kid, we get it. He's the best ever. But when I think of highly touted pre-draft 'best ever pitchers', guys like Dwight Gooden, Mark Prior and Kerry Wood spring to mind more often then not (not to mention the Ben McDonalds of the world). Am I thinking too much glass-half-empty? Why is Strausberg going to be different?
(Kubali Khan from Mongolia)
Followup: the Big Papi question is just begging for a Goldman treatment.

He hasn't failed yet. I'm not the guy to argue with about this. As much as I think the draft is incredibly unfair to players, there are no guarantees, and we know that even the successes in the category of "college stud starter," like Jered Weaver, often are less than superstars. You can look just in very recent years and see a Prior and question the hype. It's a fair point. (Joe Sheehan)
2009-05-25 13:00:00 (link to chat)Bryan, As a guy who follows college avidly and probably seen him more than most, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Strasburg? Would you give him the title as Best College Pitching Prospect Ever?
(Tanner from Sioux Falls)
I think that really comes down to Mark Prior vs. Steven Strasburg, as we all seemed to agree that Prior earned that title eight years ago. Their numbers really aren't that different, although Strasburg has a better ERA, and probably will get to 190 strikeouts this weekend. I think the biggest reason is that Strasburg earns that title is the hype that comes with the Internet era. More people were exposed to Strasburg this season than Prior ever had.

As far as their stuff goes, I think Prior gets points for a better change-up, and I think their breaking balls are pretty much on par. But Strasburg's fastball is just so good that he gets the title for me. TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle believes Strasburg has the edge, and I agree. (Bryan Smith)
2009-04-16 13:00:00 (link to chat)How do you like that I use the Prior List instead of the DL?
(TheSportsIdiot from Philly)
Poor Mark Prior. I wish him the best (and not just because he's on my Padres). (Marc Normandin)
2009-02-17 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is there any possible way that the Nats pass on Straburg and he goes to Seattle? Does the fact that the Nats have 2 pick towards the top of the draft make signing both an issue, especially if one of them is the Boras represented Strasburg, which would push them in another direction? As an M's fan I'm hoping . . .
(jaymoff from Salem, OR)
I suppose if Mark Prior can slip to number 2, then it's possible for Strasburg to do the same. However, Strasburg has so much helium -- he's become relatively familiar to even the common fan, it seems -- so it would be a big PR hit for the Nationals to pass on him. Something tells me they have money set aside for this year's draft, and that they are going to use it to galvanize the fan base. I just don't see anything besides a Green/White/Ackley choice available for the Mariners. (Bryan Smith)
2009-01-07 13:00:00 (link to chat)Is there any news on Mark Prior?
(P Bu from St. Louis)
Nope. I think he's done. (Will Carroll)
2008-11-19 13:00:00 (link to chat)You were perhaps the very first media person who discounted the scouts' concerns with Tim Lincecum and said two winters ago he was your choice for franchise pitcher for the next 10 years. Given that Tim had never thrown a pitch above High A, most would have considered that a very bold prediction. Today (and I ask this question four days before I expect Lincecum to become the Giants' first Cy Young Award winner in 41 years and I believe the second-ever NL pitcher to win the award in his first full season -- with Fernando Valenzuela being the other)that prediction looks like genius. What were the specific factors that allowed you to make what appears to be a prediction ahead of its time, and what implications do these factors have for Tim's continuing future?
(sharksrog from San Francisco)
That's a really early submit, so I have to get this one up. Lincecum did win the award, so I look really smart, but basically I could have been wrong for the reasons I was right. Eyes are a terrible tool for judging pitchers and without facts and data on his joint load, I can't say anything with surety. I didn't see anything terribly wrong mechanically, but the same could be said about Mark Prior. I just didn't think "looks strange" ever equalled "dangerous." (Will Carroll)
2008-07-09 13:00:00 (link to chat)How did Luis Tiant survive to have the career he did with his motion? I know he said something along the lines of "Delivery don't hurt my arm. No runs hurts my arm."
(Henry from Lincoln Park)
Here's the problem ... we remember the exceptions. He actually isn't that much of an exception ... I'd be curious to see some sort of era-adjustment on his innings and he never went over 200 until he was well past the nexus. Still, you remember Tiant but not Roger Moret or Dick Drago or Reggie Cleveland, guys that had much more typical patterns. I mean, I had to look those guys up. Did they have injury problems? How many pitchers had one good year, Mark Prior-style, during the time that Bob Feller calls the good ol' days? (Will Carroll)
2008-05-29 13:00:00 (link to chat)Would Dusty's decision have been acceptable or maybe even "correct" if the game was at the end of the season(something like 1 week or less to go) and the Reds were in contention(either tied for the lead or a game out)? As a philosophical matter when if ever is it ok to potentially overuse a pitcher like Dusty did?
(dokomoy from LA)
Yes. It's a continuum, which is why while I think Baker's use of Mark Prior down the stretch in 2003 was errant, it was also defensible. (His postseason usage was bad.) It's why I defend the Indians' use of a 21-year-old Jaret Wright in 1997. Everything has to be viewed through the lens of winning a championship. A May game in San Diego for a team like the 2008 Reds is far, far from a championship. (Joe Sheehan)
2008-03-26 12:00:00 (link to chat)There were some good reports on the Mark Prior front. Apparently he has been throwing curve balls that look good. What do you expect out of him this year and do you beleive he will ever be able to get his once promising career on track? I know many of us are rooting for him to do so, but I was wondering what your realistic thoughts are? Cheers
(Don from San Diego)
I think Prior will have to re-invent himself a little bit to be a good pitcher again, as I just don't see him consistently pitching in the mid 90s and making 30 starts a year. But if he mixes 4 pitches, hits his spots, is taken out after 90-100 pitches, he can be pretty good. As a Cubs fan, few players I've ever seen have given me as much joy to watch, so please do count me in the group that is rooting for him. Oh, and rooting against Dusty. (Bryan Smith)
2008-03-26 12:00:00 (link to chat)There were some good reports on the Mark Prior front. Apparently he has been throwing curve balls that look good. What do you expect out of him this year and do you beleive he will ever be able to get his once promising career on track? I know many of us are rooting for him to do so, but I was wondering what your realistic thoughts are? Cheers
(Don from San Diego)
I think Prior will have to re-invent himself a little bit to be a good pitcher again, as I just don't see him consistently pitching in the mid 90s and making 30 starts a year. But if he mixes 4 pitches, hits his spots, is taken out after 90-100 pitches, he can be pretty good. As a Cubs fan, few players I've ever seen have given me as much joy to watch, so please do count me in the group that is rooting for him. Oh, and rooting against Dusty. (Bryan Smith)
2008-03-14 13:00:00 (link to chat)Do you seriously believe Mark Prior can make a difference for Padres if he returns on/before June?
(David from San Francisco, CA)
Do I SERIOUSLY believe it? You make it sound as if I'm out there wearing a "Believe in Mark Prior" sandwich board, whereas I don't think I've written word one on the subject. I won't be surprised either way. The odds seem against Prior having any kind of sustained comeback, but pitchers are odd creatures and these kinds of revivals are not unheard of. Now, will he make a difference? That depends on all kinds of things. (Steven Goldman)
2008-03-06 13:00:00 (link to chat)Hi Jay, Big fan. Everyone seems to be jumping on the Rays and Reds as the surprise teams this season. Are you with that, or do you disagree?
(mattymatty from Surprise Land, USA)
I've been pointing to the Reds as my sleeper team in a few different media appearances. I'm no big fan of Dusty Baker, but the two jobs he's had previously saw the Giants jump from 72 to 103 wins and the Cubs from 67 to 88 wins. Obivously, talent was a big part of that, with Bonds coming over from Pittsburgh in the former case and Mark Prior hitting his stride in the latter. The Reds are loaded with blue chip talent, four of the top 41 prospects from our list (I htink), and if Dusty lets them play, it's a big upgrade.

As for the Rays, I've been a big fan of Kazmir and SHields for the past couple years, and they're just bursting with talent. I don' tknow if they crack 81 wins but they will be a super-fun team to watch. (Jay Jaffe)
2008-02-28 14:00:00 (link to chat)Christina, I see above Bonds would knock the Cubs off page one? Have you spent much time in Chicago? That will never happen, I think the day after the Sox won the WS the frontpage was talking about the Cubs offseason moves already.
(Gray from Chicago)
Fair point, but the day of, I'm a-betting there wasn't an attack piece questioning Mark Prior's commitment on the front page. Bringing in Barry--and doing what you can to contend, which Kenny Williams is gunning for, given the Swisher deal--would help give the Mike Norths of the world something to rail about endlessly. (Christina Kahrl)
2008-01-14 13:00:00 (link to chat) Care to hazard a guess or prediction on Mark Prior's contributions to the Padres in 2008? I had read that several teams were scared off by his medical reports this season, all except one apparently. Thanks!
(Kevin from Oak Lawn, IL)
I think he'll have almost no impact this season. I'd expect him to spend much of the season strengthening his arm and making a couple starts towards August. How he does in those will go a long way in determining if he can ever get back to that previous level. The upside is that he's still young and still has talent somewhere in that arm. How he gels with the Padres staff is also going to be a big key in his comeback. (Will Carroll)


BP Roundtables

DateRoundtable NameComment
2010-10-06 10:00:002010 Playoffs Day OneI drove up to Peoria once just to watch Mark Prior pitch two innings of rehab. I, um, own a Mark Prior jersey. I am cheering for Mark Prior more than I think any one person should, but it is what it is. (Colin Wyers)
2010-10-06 10:00:002010 Playoffs Day OneThe Twins announcers of course bring up Mark Prior. I checked the minor league stats, and he only had the one game since joining the Rangers. I guess that's not too surprising. (Colin Wyers)