Is Mark Prior Done For?
By kingwilson
@kingwilson (86)
United States
March 12, 2007 8:01am CST
I'm getting really worried about Mark Prior. In his first spring training start his fastball was between 83 and 85 MPH as his "working range" (where he most consistently pitched) and topped out at 87 or 89 MPH, depending on what report you read. In his second spring training appearance he had added a few MPH to his fastball, but was still working in the mid to high 80's and topping out at no more than 89 miles per hour.
I just don't think Mark Prior can be successful as a finesse pitcher. He needs to be working int he low 90's and topping out at about 95 to do well. And it's imperative he gets his breaking balls working again or he is going to be ate alive.
Right now with Angel Guzman damn near demanding the job with his performance, and Wade Miller seemingly further along than Mark in his rehabbing of injuries, if Mark doesn't seriously build up arm strength he may have to start the season in the minors. He does have an option remaining.
4 responses
@Mike07 (505)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Yeah, Prior has to have his fastball to be successful I'd give hime some more time before I wrote him off. He needs to build up his arm strength, then you can judge if he can pitch anymore.
What about Kerry Wood? He still going to be the closer?
@kingwilson (86)
• United States
12 Mar 07
Kerry is pitching out of the bullpen, but won't be the closer right off. Lou wants to give Ryan Dempster another chance there. Demp has thrown the ball pretty good this spring so hopefully last season was just a result of infrequent use.
I'm not totally ready to give up on Prior, but if he hasn't picked up significant velocity by opening day I want to see him on a rehab assignment at AAA Iowa. Because if not, that's going to ship Angel Guzman to Iowa and he looks ready. Nevermind Wade Miller, who supposedly has a handshake agreement with the GM to be traded if he doesn't make the rotation.
Not saying I'm about ready to ship Prior off for an A-ball prospect yet, he's under team control fairly cheap for two more seasons and has a minor league option remaining, but he shouldn't make the rotation over someone who is ready now. Because we need to win NOW.
@Mike07 (505)
• United States
12 Mar 07
At least you know Piniella won't fool around with Prior. If he can't pitch Piniella won't use him. They call him Sweet Lou, but he's anything but sweet to the guys who can't play.
I think the nickname has more to do with Piniella's charms on women, anyway. Be prepared for bats and stuff to come flying out of the dugout this year when Piniella disagrees with calls made by the umpires. Cubs fans are in for a very lively year!
@outkastdashit (44)
• United States
25 May 07
Prior sucks. I don't know why the cubs have kept him this long. I bet if the cubs let him go, he would go to the dodgers since he has expressed he wouldn't mind playing for them. At least with Kerry Wood, they can use him for an inning or two
@jasonroland (20)
• United States
15 Mar 07
Prior has been done for a while. The real question is will he ever regain is 03 form. I personally doubt it but who knows what pinella will do for him. Hopefully he will get the whining baby out and bring out the winner. Here's hoping
@Cyklo1974 (351)
• United States
9 Apr 07
I agree that Prior needs that 90 mh velocity to be effective. I sure hope this isnt the end but who knows. After a couple of mino league starts hopefully we will find out.
