Padres sign Prior

[mikeymussina35]

Mark Prior, cut loose by the Cubs earlier this month, has agreed to terms with the San Diego Padres. Prior receives a one-year major league deal with a $1 million base salary. The contract, which doesn't include an option, contains incentive clauses that could take the total value of the deal to over $3 million.

An announcement is expected to come sometime Wednesday.

Prior, 27, last pitched in the big leagues in 2006, and had shoulder surgery in April of 2007.

The second overall pick in the 2001 draft, Prior went 18-6 for the Cubs in 2003 before experiencing a series of physical problems. He was born in San Diego and lives in San Diego County, and the Padres' hope is that he is able to join a rotation that already includes Jake Peavy, Chris Young, Greg Maddux and Randy Wolf.

He has been throwing on flat ground, and to date, has been free of pain since his surgery.

Prior's lifetime record in the big leagues is 42-29, with a 3.51 ERA.
What are your guys thoughts on this signing>?

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If he's still using the same mechanics that shredded his shoulder so bad last year (which he is), you can pretty much stick a fork in his season now. I don't see how he can make it to the All Star Break, and that's a conservative assessment.

[HDH]

In relative terms, its a short-term, small dollar gamble that can potentially yield high gains. Its a shrewd signing, especially if he can at get 10 wins on an arm sparing basis.

[batitup]

This is a good sign in by the Padres. Prior a 2nd overall pick from the 01' draft will give the team a boost. Hope they will a very good season ahead of them.

[Go Cardinals]

injury prone... he will get hurt... again, mark my word