Whats the deal with Prior

[aberry33]

I've got the option to keep Prior in a league where pitching is pretty key. You have the option to keep two players, so I would be using him for either my first or second round pick. I would like to keep him because you would assume once in his life (especially while he is young) that he is going to stay healthy for a full season. But the reports coming from the Cubs and how they are handling him this spring have me worried. I understand his history, but if he is truly 100% healthy, why are they being so overly cautious with him? Anyone closer to the situation have any input on this issue? Thanks

[5]

He's not worth a 1st or 2nd round pick IMO. He's too risky and they're still treating him and Kerry like babies.

[acsguitar]

I'm really not into keeping a pitcher as a keep unless he is an absolute stud...and although Prior can be he can also be injured all year

[aberry33]

Trust me I'm not one for keeping pitchers or drafting them that high either, but in this particular league any type of pitching is at a real premium.

[ferris182]

Who are your other options for keepers?

If you don't keep Prior, do you think you can draft him?

[aberry33]

Schmidt and Tejada were my previous two keepers so I can't keep them anymore. I'm thinking about doing Prior and Utley, those are really the only guys I would consider. I also have the option to not keep anyone or only keep one or two, its up to me. If I kept one I wouldn't get a first round pick, if I kept two I wouldn't get a first and a second. I really can't get a feel for where Prior would go, thats what my delimma is. I could re-draft him, but like I said it's a pitching priortiy league, so there is a real good chance somebody might jump on him quickly. I just don't know what to think about the way they are handling him this spring.....

[tinfoilxtouch]

Why is pitching so important in your league? Different stats or roster make-up?

[chadlincoln]

He's not worth a 1st or 2nd round pick IMO. He's too risky and they're still treating him and Kerry like babies.

Agreed. He's too risky for you to be your 1st or 2nd round.

[Ditka311]

Per sports radio in Chicago:

In an interview with Steve Stone, Stone said he believes that something is wrong with Prior. That's all I heard and it's just his opinion.

Bruce Levine on ESPN 1000 reported that he actually threw 50 pitches off of a mound today and the Cubs believe he will be ready to pitch in a game next week.

Some of the radio hosts were wondering why he needs such a special program to get ready when he is supposed to be a healthy, 24 yr old athlete. His ER trip supposedly happened in December (if i recall) so they don't believe his lack of progress is due to that incident.

Unfortunately, nothing solid to report - just a lot of rumors.

[J35J]

Though I agree with most that Prior isn't a first or second rounder with the ? he has but if you think the top 10 SP will be kept I would keep Prior because he would be the best available SP left and like you say SP is valuable in your league.

Keep him if you think the top 10 or so SP are going to be kept, if not then don't keep him.

Jason