Rampant Speculation re: Prior Thread (Legit info welcome)

[Sarcastic]

One thing Mark has mastered is the ability to repeat the "everything is fine" mantra to the media even though clearly behind the scenes he's struggling.

 

Lou's doing what he needs to. Mark's so far away from being capable of starting a MLB game there's no point continuing the charade. It's Guzman's job, for now.

 

I'll believe that when he gets to the mound at Wrigley.

[98navigator]

If it's not Guzman's job, right now, we have more questions than answers. Miller, Cotts, and Prior are not cutting the mustard.

 

Prior needs to be solely focused on reestablishing his game. At this point, Miller is headed for the trading block and Cotts to the bullpen. Opening Day is a mere 22 days away. Lou has already said he won't be skipping the fifth starter, so April 7th is looking very much like Angel Guzman's day to pitch.

[Soul]

One thing Mark has mastered is the ability to repeat the "everything is fine" mantra to the media even though clearly behind the scenes he's struggling.

 

Lou's doing what he needs to. Mark's so far away from being capable of starting a MLB game there's no point continuing the charade. It's Guzman's job, for now.

 

I'll believe that when he gets to the mound at Wrigley.

 

You speak as if there's a ton of time before opening day to sort things out with Prior. There isn't. He who has his stuff together now is likely the guy who will have his stuff together 3 weeks from now. There's time to work out some issues, that's what spring training is for, but rebuild a pitcher from scratch? Nay.

[Amazing_Grace]

One thing Mark has mastered is the ability to repeat the "everything is fine" mantra to the media even though clearly behind the scenes he's struggling.

 

Lou's doing what he needs to. Mark's so far away from being capable of starting a MLB game there's no point continuing the charade. It's Guzman's job, for now.

 

I'll believe that when he gets to the mound at Wrigley.

 

You speak as if there's a ton of time before opening day to sort things out with Prior. There isn't. He who has his stuff together now is likely the guy who will have his stuff together 3 weeks from now. There's time to work out some issues, that's what spring training is for, but rebuild a pitcher from scratch? Nay.

 

I think this is definitely the case. Prior has been out for so long for so many injuries, and he's having to basically relearn how to pitch. The talent is still there, but the practice and polish isn't. Unless he makes spectacular improvements over the next 3 weeks, he needs to start the season in AAA.

[CoolHandLuke]

One thing Mark has mastered is the ability to repeat the "everything is fine" mantra to the media even though clearly behind the scenes he's struggling.

 

Lou's doing what he needs to. Mark's so far away from being capable of starting a MLB game there's no point continuing the charade. It's Guzman's job, for now.

 

I'll believe that when he gets to the mound at Wrigley.

 

You speak as if there's a ton of time before opening day to sort things out with Prior. There isn't. He who has his stuff together now is likely the guy who will have his stuff together 3 weeks from now. There's time to work out some issues, that's what spring training is for, but rebuild a pitcher from scratch? Nay.

 

I think this is definitely the case. Prior has been out for so long for so many injuries, and he's having to basically relearn how to pitch. The talent is still there, but the practice and polish isn't. Unless he makes spectacular improvements over the next 3 weeks, he needs to start the season in AAA.

 

Can they put him in AAA? It seems like a guy with his past major league success and service time can't just get stuck in the minors unless he approves it. Would he do that? I am not sure, but if I was a Cy Young candidate at one point and I was still young I would probably not.

[98navigator]

I think Prior still has a MiL option but I'm not positive...

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

If I'm not mistaken, Prior does have an option remaining.

[Sarcastic]

One thing Mark has mastered is the ability to repeat the "everything is fine" mantra to the media even though clearly behind the scenes he's struggling.

 

Lou's doing what he needs to. Mark's so far away from being capable of starting a MLB game there's no point continuing the charade. It's Guzman's job, for now.

 

I'll believe that when he gets to the mound at Wrigley.

 

You speak as if there's a ton of time before opening day to sort things out with Prior. There isn't. He who has his stuff together now is likely the guy who will have his stuff together 3 weeks from now. There's time to work out some issues, that's what spring training is for, but rebuild a pitcher from scratch? Nay.

 

I don't think they have to rebuild him from scratch. He sucked for a few innings in ST. That doesn't mean they have to rebuild him from scratch. He clearly has issues to work on, and there is no guarantee that he will be effective early in the season, but if he shows a comparable amount of progress to what he showed last time in the next two or three starts, he'll be able to pitch in the rotation.

 

I really don't understand why people think that a few innings mean he is done. IIRC, he got rocked in pretty much all of his minor league rehab assignments, but he didn't need to be rebuilt from scratch. That's talking like he needs to go down to the minors for 2-3 years and start all over. I just don't see that.

[Soul]

One thing Mark has mastered is the ability to repeat the "everything is fine" mantra to the media even though clearly behind the scenes he's struggling.

 

Lou's doing what he needs to. Mark's so far away from being capable of starting a MLB game there's no point continuing the charade. It's Guzman's job, for now.

 

I'll believe that when he gets to the mound at Wrigley.

 

You speak as if there's a ton of time before opening day to sort things out with Prior. There isn't. He who has his stuff together now is likely the guy who will have his stuff together 3 weeks from now. There's time to work out some issues, that's what spring training is for, but rebuild a pitcher from scratch? Nay.

 

I don't think they have to rebuild him from scratch. He sucked for a few innings in ST. That doesn't mean they have to rebuild him from scratch. He clearly has issues to work on, and there is no guarantee that he will be effective early in the season, but if he shows a comparable amount of progress to what he showed last time in the next two or three starts, he'll be able to pitch in the rotation.

 

I really don't understand why people think that a few innings mean he is done. IIRC, he got rocked in pretty much all of his minor league rehab assignments, but he didn't need to be rebuilt from scratch. That's talking like he needs to go down to the minors for 2-3 years and start all over. I just don't see that.

 

I definitely don't agree with those who say 'he's done.' But he's talking about not even having his throwing motion in order. That's way further back than 3 weeks away from being able to face major league hitters, IMO.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Bruce Miles - Daily Herald[/url]"]In other news, pitcher Mark Prior threw extensively today with pitching coach Larry Rothschild, who said Prior looked good. As a result, his minor-league intrasquad game will be moved from Thursday to Friday.

[goonys evil twin]

I definitely don't agree with those who say 'he's done.' But he's talking about not even having his throwing motion in order. That's way further back than 3 weeks away from being able to face major league hitters, IMO.

 

Not necessarily. Guys have been in the middle of the season and had issues with their throwing motion being in disarray.

[YearofDaCubs]

Bruce Miles - Daily Herald[/url]"]In other news, pitcher Mark Prior threw extensively today with pitching coach Larry Rothschild, who said Prior looked good. As a result, his minor-league intrasquad game will be moved from Thursday to Friday.

It's not like he's going to say he looked bad. Last time he said he pitched well during BP he didn't do so well in-game.