Padres sign Prior

Via espn.com...

By Buster Olney
ESPN The Magazine

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.


Ryan here--Not a bad move. Chances are he won't pitch at all but if he does contribute (especially towards the end of the season--maybe during a post season run) than it won't be a bad move--that is assuming he pitches effetively. In terms of baseball economics...1 million dollars is a pretty cheap investment. Maybe being in his home town will motivate Prior to get it together. Honestly...I'm not sure what really is wrong with him half the time.