Mark Prior forecast (Merged)

[sox 06]

He'll come back, pitch a couple of games, get hurt and do it all over again. He just can't stay healthy. I would personally stay away from him as far as fantasy goes because he is just too big of an injury concern IMO.

[FalcoAtL]

I disagree, if you can get him in a reasonably low round I would go for it. With Piniella, I think the use of him will be different and MUCH more cautious. Take the chance that most will not if you can get a good deal!

[bazzy_51]

I disagree, if you can get him in a reasonably low round I would go for it. With Piniella, I think the use of him will be different and MUCH more cautious. Take the chance that most will not if you can get a good deal!

i agree with this 100%...he has been working hard this whole offseason on strengthening that shoulder, other then that he doens't have and major problems...with the strengthening programs, and his base mechanics he could still turn out to be a dominat pitcher in the majors..Piniella is smart, not an idiot like dusty baker, he won't abuse a good arm...if prior can make it back within the first month of the season and is 80%+ healthy he will make for a very nice starter in your rotation as piniella won't push him to his break point...i don't see many, if ANY, complete games in prior's future til 100% healthy, but 6-7 innings of good quality work is not out of the question and is still qualified for a win...a middle round pick of prior can't really hurt a team, can only help...

[stealthdevil]

MLB

Things are lookin' good for the cubbies

[sportsaddict]

Mark Prior is all hype. The guy hasn't pitched a full season in 3 years. The Cubs problem is they keep counting on Wood and Prior... they need to face that these guys are never going to get healthy. Dusty ruined them. I'm suprised he didn't ruin Zambrano too.

[LukeW9027]

Mark Prior is all hype. The guy hasn't pitched a full season in 3 years. The Cubs problem is they keep counting on Wood and Prior... they need to face that these guys are never going to get healthy. Dusty ruined them. I'm suprised he didn't ruin Zambrano too.

No Human being can ruin Carlos Zambrano.

you should know that...

[stealthdevil]

The Cubs aren't counting on Prior or Wood. Thats why they spent the money and brought in Lilly and Marquis. If Prior and/or Wood turn out to be healthy this season then thats just extra. Wood going to the pen anyway.

[Dixie Twister]

I am actually kinda high on prior this year.

There is a pattern here.

2002 116.2
2003 211.1
2004 118.2
2005 166.2
2006 43.2

MAYBE
IF he stays under 150 inings pitched per year.....

[jfg]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/stor ... NHeadlines

Man, I'm going to fall into the trap of drafting him again. I just know it. But, if you can get him at Pedro Martinez price it would be worth it right?

[bazzy_51]

the cubs look like they might finally have all of their ducks somewhat in line...prior and wood coming back sometime this year...zambrano pitching at least this season...singing lilly...signing marquis...and now the best news of all...Jeff Smardzija decided to come to the baseball side of the major league instead of the NFL..and the cubs have basically a lock on him...5 years 10 Mil, and a clause that states if he decides after a season or 2 to switch and go in the NFL he forfiets EVERYTHING including signing bonuses and extras above base salary...they are calling him the real deal mid 90's fast ball that can touch 99-100 and had a very nice record 21-5 at Notre Dame and also pitched some in the cubbies minor league system already (went 1-2 with a slim 2.70 ear in 7 starts for Class A)...i like the cubs future..