Is he back to being a top-5 starting pitcher, and can he be relied upon for the rest of the year to put up Prior-like numbers? I haven't been able to watch him pitch, but his numbers since his return look pretty good. What's the deal here?
Basically, are you buying or selling Mark Prior's return to dominance in 2005? I only ask because starting pitching is very slim right now, and I'm looking to move one of my big hitters for a pitcher, and the asking price on Prior is lower than somebody like Pedro or Johan. I'm sure a lot of people are going through this same dillemma.
So, Cubs fans, what's goin on? How's his velocity? How's his control? Any news of him pitching through pain? Is he a good buy?
Thanks for the responses, guys.
[size=10]"Men are apt to mistake the strength of their feeling for the strength of their argument." [/size]
I defenitely think he'll be a top 5SP from here on out. Health is always a question but not as big as some people make it to be. 2 of his injuries in his career have been fluke like injuries (running into Giles, and the Hawpe line drive). Still an injury risk but not in the Griffey or Drew category.
As for how he's pitching...this season he's had 2 bad outings. 1 against Atlanta and 1 against Houston. All other starts he has allowed 3ER or less. His control hasn't been great lately compared to his standards but he's still locating well enough. That should improve as he gets more outings. His velocity is back to where it should be in the 92-95MPH range. I also haven't heard anything about lingering effects of the injury. I'm a homer but there is nothing holding him back from having top 5 SP numbers the rest of the year
Mustangs989 wrote:I defenitely think he'll be a top 5SP from here on out. Health is always a question but not as big as some people make it to be. 2 of his injuries in his career have been fluke like injuries (running into Giles, and the Hawpe line drive). Still an injury risk but not in the Griffey or Drew category.
As for how he's pitching...this season he's had 2 bad outings. 1 against Atlanta and 1 against Houston. All other starts he has allowed 3ER or less. His control hasn't been great lately compared to his standards but he's still locating well enough. That should improve as he gets more outings. His velocity is back to where it should be in the 92-95MPH range. I also haven't heard anything about lingering effects of the injury. I'm a homer but there is nothing holding him back from having top 5 SP numbers the rest of the year
Agreed completely, I'm high on Prior and have always been a fan of him ... great, great stuff and an abundance of potential.
Mustangs989 wrote:I defenitely think he'll be a top 5SP from here on out. Health is always a question but not as big as some people make it to be. 2 of his injuries in his career have been fluke like injuries (running into Giles, and the Hawpe line drive). Still an injury risk but not in the Griffey or Drew category.
As for how he's pitching...this season he's had 2 bad outings. 1 against Atlanta and 1 against Houston. All other starts he has allowed 3ER or less. His control hasn't been great lately compared to his standards but he's still locating well enough. That should improve as he gets more outings. His velocity is back to where it should be in the 92-95MPH range. I also haven't heard anything about lingering effects of the injury. I'm a homer but there is nothing holding him back from having top 5 SP numbers the rest of the year
Agreed completely, I'm high on Prior and have always been a fan of him ... great, great stuff and an abundance of potential.
Thanks for the responses guys. That's exactly what I was looking for!
[size=10]"Men are apt to mistake the strength of their feeling for the strength of their argument." [/size]
Prior's velocity has actually gotten better since the freak line drive off his elbow. Before the injury, he was throwing around 92mph and now he's up to around 95 mph.
I've watched most of his starts since his return and his fastball has been outstanding. His curveball is still effective but he'll only use it like 10-12 times a game. His fastball is so good that he only needs the curve to keep hitters honest. It's almost like a changeup for him....When I say his fastball is good, I mean he spots it well and it has a ton of movement tailing away from lefties and in to righties. He can also elevate his fastball to get strikeouts.
What I love about Prior is that his delivery is so smooth and so mechanically sound that he does not get tired late in games. When he is healthy, he is a horse who gets stronger as the game goes on...He really is an intense competitor and seems to "reach back" in tough spots and his stuff gets a little sharper....When he is healthy and on top of his game, he is a top 5 fantasy pitcher because of his ability to pitch deep into games, get wins, and get a ton of Ks....
I traded for him with the intention of contending next year. Anything I get this year is merely gravy. If he can remain healthy for the remainder of the year, I'd say he's a definite top five pitcher.
prior should definitely be top 5 SP from here on out this year..... he has looked good all year save 2 bad starts and the injury...... i would try to get prior for the stretch run especially if you can get him cheaper than pedro and the gang.......
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by beltrans_boy » Sun Jul 17, 2005 1:10 am 
