Mark Prior should be optioned to AAA Iowa

[98navigator]

I'm sure this will be controversial to some people, but I would like to see Mark Prior optioned to AAA before he is able to veto the demotion. The Cubs would be well within their rights in doing so.

 

Don't get me wrong, I like Mark and I would love for him to return to his previous dominance, but if he isn't going to be ready to pitch in the Major Leagues in a reasonable amount of time (less than a month), I don't want him to continue to accrue ML time! Placing a veteran, like Wood; who has considerable MLB service time, on the DL is the only choice for a team. However, I see allowing Prior to "rehab" in extended Spring Training as the team shooting itself in the foot. At this rate, Prior will be a free agent after the 2008 season. The Cubs may be getting him healthy in time for another team to take advantage of his skills.

 

The Cubs can extend Prior's time by optioning him to the MiLs, to work on his mechanics, instead of putting him on the DL and sending him on a rehab assignment. I'm sure the Cubs are weighing their options because they don't want a disgruntled player, but they have to do what is in the team's overall best interest. Last season they were understanding; Prior was DL'd after making only 9 appearances yet he earned a year of service time... This season they should take a different approach.

[goonys evil twin]

I don't think there is much controversy with such a statement. Unless they plan on having him in the opening day rotation, that's just about their only choice.

[98navigator]

The Cubs do have a choice; the team can put him on the DL like they did last season (while he's racking up ML time and not helping the club). It shouldn't be controversial at all but everything involving him tends to be (from a media standpoint and with some fans)... I say demote him before he earns another 41 days of MLB time. If the Cubs don't option him before this window closes, they will be severely limiting what they can do with him in the future.

 

First round draft pick and 42 ML victories aside, he should be optioned to AAA to work on his game just like Sean Marshall (and any other pitcher on the mend).

[radarluv1]

The Cubs do have a choice; the team can put him on the DL like they did last season (while he's racking up ML time and not helping the club). It shouldn't be controversial at all but everything involving him tends to be (from a media standpoint and with some fans)... I say demote him before he earns another 41 days of MLB time. If the Cubs don't option him before this window closes, they will be severely limiting what they can do with him in the future.

 

First round draft pick and 42 ML victories aside, he should be optioned to AAA to work on his game just like Sean Marshall (and any other pitcher on the mend).

 

to make sure i understand this correctly, this would push back his free agency year to 2010 if he isnt on the major league squad for at least 41 days this year?

[Mephistopheles]

okay, thanks for the heads up. we didn't realize he sucked. thanks for the news!

[98navigator]

The Cubs do have a choice; the team can put him on the DL like they did last season (while he's racking up ML time and not helping the club). It shouldn't be controversial at all but everything involving him tends to be (from a media standpoint and with some fans)... I say demote him before he earns another 41 days of MLB time. If the Cubs don't option him before this window closes, they will be severely limiting what they can do with him in the future.

 

First round draft pick and 42 ML victories aside, he should be optioned to AAA to work on his game just like Sean Marshall (and any other pitcher on the mend).

 

to make sure i understand this correctly, this would push back his free agency year to 2010 if he isnt on the major league squad for at least 41 days this year?

 

I don't know the rules completely, but from my understanding of the process, it's possible that the Cubs could stretch this out over two seasons if he is unable to pitch. Otherwise, he'll be in the rotation.

 

He has two options remaining. If 2007 is anything like 2006 (and he's only able to appear in a few games) the Cubs could option him to the MiLs and shuttle him back and forth as many times as they want--before he accrues another 41 days of ML service. The same thing could happen in 2008 if he isn't ready to go and he doesn't surpass the 41 days (after the 41st day he will have the right to veto a demotion).

[98navigator]

okay, thanks for the heads up. we didn't realize he sucked. thanks for the news!

 

Why is your comment necessary? This has nothing to do with him sucking. I want him to get better but I don't want him DL'd all season. If you didn't have anything substantive to add you could have just passed on this thread. Better yet, if you have an opposing view why don't you share it instead of being critical?

[Mephistopheles]

was this thread necessary? Everyone knows he should be optioned.

[RynoRules]

was this thread necessary? Everyone knows he should be optioned.

 

:roll:

[98navigator]

was this thread necessary? Everyone knows he should be optioned.

 

How is this thread any more unnecessary than any other? There are people here that didn't even know he had options. Get real!

[RynoRules]

was this thread necessary? Everyone knows he should be optioned.

 

How is this thread any more unnecessary than any other? There are people here that didn't even know he had options. Get real!

 

I figured, but didn't know. Thanks 98'. I like this thread.

[98navigator]

was this thread necessary? Everyone knows he should be optioned.

 

How is this thread any more unnecessary than any other? There are people here that didn't even know he had options. Get real!

 

I figured, but didn't know. Thanks 98'. I like this thread.

 

Thanks man.

 

The only reason I made this thread was because I was curious to know how others feel about the subject. It came up, indirectly, in another thread and some people didn't know that the Cubs could option him... Plus, it's been a hot button topic on a couple of the local sports talk programs. Most of the people I've heard talk about it are advocating the demotion as a punishment. I've heard people on the radio say "let him ride the buses." That's not my motivation; I want him to improve but I don't want to do it at the expense of the team and the time that he is under their control.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

He'd probably be better off staying in Mesa than going to Des Moines.

[wilk]

He'd probably be better off staying in Mesa than going to Des Moines.

 

I agree.

[DiamondMind]

okay, thanks for the heads up. we didn't realize he sucked. thanks for the news!

 

Wow, rude.

 

Good thread though, 98. For some reason, I didn't even think of the Cubs' option to start Prior on the DL - that'd be a terrible choice.

 

I'm not calling Prior himself spoiled, but he *has* been spoiled by the treatment given to him by USC, and the Cubs organization. Time to start treating him like any normal member of the Cubs, like Marshall, just as was mentioned.

[98navigator]

He'd probably be better off staying in Mesa than going to Des Moines.

 

Normally I'd agree with that idea; if he were just a week or two behind schedule. My fear is that he's months away from being ready to pitch for the Cubs. I'd hate to see him DL'd and only able make a few starts this year (like the 9 last year). I want the team to "own" his rights for as long as possible. I think he still has the opportunity to be very good.

 

Seriously, how is this different than sending Sean Marshall to AAA? All things being equal, Marshall may have contended for a rotation spot if he were healthy (this says nothing about their respective pitching ceilings). It seems to me that the Cubs are prepared to treat this situation with kid gloves even if it's not the best thing for the team.

 

Perhaps my view will change if he's markedly better in his Thursday start. Again, if he's just a little behind, then I agree that extended ST is the way to go. If it's going to be a few months, he should be demoted IMO.

[goonys evil twin]

Seriously, how is this different than sending Sean Marshall to AAA?

 

It's quite different. Marshall hasn't come close to establishing himself as a major leaguer. Prior has. And the problem with Prior appears to be health related.

 

I agree they should option Prior, I just don't see your point in comparing him to Marshall.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

He'd probably be better off staying in Mesa than going to Des Moines.

 

Normally I'd agree with that idea; if he were just a week or two behind schedule. My fear is that he's months away from being ready to pitch for the Cubs. I'd hate to see him DL'd and only able make a few starts this year (like the 9 last year). I want the team to "own" his rights for as long as possible. I think he still has the opportunity to be very good.

 

Seriously, how is this different than sending Sean Marshall to AAA? All things being equal, Marshall may have contended for a rotation spot if he were healthy (this says nothing about their respective pitching ceilings). It seems to me that the Cubs are prepared to treat this situation with kid gloves even if it's not the best thing for the team.

 

Perhaps my view will change if he's markedly better in his Thursday start. Again, if he's just a little behind, then I agree that extended ST is the way to go. If it's going to be a few months, he should be demoted IMO.

 

If Sean Marshall is ready for AAA, the Cubs should send him there. These are two independet situations and should be treated as such. It has nothing to do with their respecitve ceilings.

 

I think Prior would be best off in extended spring training, exclusively working on fixing his mechanical flaws, before getting into minor league game action. Also, Arizona April weather has to be better for Prior than Iowa April weather.

[98navigator]

Seriously, how is this different than sending Sean Marshall to AAA?

 

It's quite different. Marshall hasn't come close to establishing himself as a major leaguer. Prior has. And the problem with Prior appears to be health related.

 

I agree they should option Prior, I just don't see your point in comparing him to Marshall.

 

Marshall's name could be replaced with any other... I'm just saying they are comparable because they have options. It has nothing to do with skill or proven talent.

[98navigator]

He'd probably be better off staying in Mesa than going to Des Moines.

 

Normally I'd agree with that idea; if he were just a week or two behind schedule. My fear is that he's months away from being ready to pitch for the Cubs. I'd hate to see him DL'd and only able make a few starts this year (like the 9 last year). I want the team to "own" his rights for as long as possible. I think he still has the opportunity to be very good.

 

Seriously, how is this different than sending Sean Marshall to AAA? All things being equal, Marshall may have contended for a rotation spot if he were healthy (this says nothing about their respective pitching ceilings). It seems to me that the Cubs are prepared to treat this situation with kid gloves even if it's not the best thing for the team.

 

Perhaps my view will change if he's markedly better in his Thursday start. Again, if he's just a little behind, then I agree that extended ST is the way to go. If it's going to be a few months, he should be demoted IMO.

 

If Sean Marshall is ready for AAA, the Cubs should send him there. These are two independent situations and should be treated as such. It has nothing to do with their respective ceilings.

 

I think Prior would be best off in extended spring training, exclusively working on fixing his mechanical flaws, before getting into minor league game action. Also, Arizona April weather has to be better for Prior than Iowa April weather.

 

You make a good point, I probably should be advocating that he be sent to A Daytona or AA Tenn where the weather should be considerably nicer and more conducive to pitching (I'm totally serious).

 

I realize that Prior has won 42 ML games but his most recent history says that he'll need a lot of in-season rehabilitation. In the end, his only benefit to the team is pitching and if he's going to miss half the season (or more) it makes little sense to allow him to simultaneously accrue ML time. Of course, I don't know how long Prior's going to miss but he hasn't done anything yet, this ST, to make me confident that he'll be ready to go soon.

 

For the record, I didn't have this view going into 2006. After all, he made 27 starts the previous year. However, in light of the 9 starts last season and the erratic command and decreased velocity this ST, I'm convinced that he'll need considerable time to get himself back to respectable form.

 

He has a chance to prove me wrong on Thursday. I hope he does but without a measurable improvement the Cubs have no logical choice but to send him down.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

He'd probably be better off staying in Mesa than going to Des Moines.

 

Normally I'd agree with that idea; if he were just a week or two behind schedule. My fear is that he's months away from being ready to pitch for the Cubs. I'd hate to see him DL'd and only able make a few starts this year (like the 9 last year). I want the team to "own" his rights for as long as possible. I think he still has the opportunity to be very good.

 

Seriously, how is this different than sending Sean Marshall to AAA? All things being equal, Marshall may have contended for a rotation spot if he were healthy (this says nothing about their respective pitching ceilings). It seems to me that the Cubs are prepared to treat this situation with kid gloves even if it's not the best thing for the team.

 

Perhaps my view will change if he's markedly better in his Thursday start. Again, if he's just a little behind, then I agree that extended ST is the way to go. If it's going to be a few months, he should be demoted IMO.

 

If Sean Marshall is ready for AAA, the Cubs should send him there. These are two independent situations and should be treated as such. It has nothing to do with their respective ceilings.

 

I think Prior would be best off in extended spring training, exclusively working on fixing his mechanical flaws, before getting into minor league game action. Also, Arizona April weather has to be better for Prior than Iowa April weather.

 

You make a good point, I probably should be advocating that he be sent to A Daytona or AA Tenn where the weather should be considerably nicer and more conducive to pitching (I'm totally serious).

 

I realize that Prior has won 42 ML games but his most recent history says that he'll need a lot of in-season rehabilitation. In the end, his only benefit to the team is pitching and if he's going to miss half the season (or more) it makes little sense to allow him to simultaneously accrue ML time. Of course, I don't know how long Prior's going to miss but he hasn't done anything yet, this ST, to make me confident that he'll be ready to go soon.

 

For the record, I didn't have this view going into 2006. After all, he made 27 starts the previous year. However, in light of the 9 starts last season and the erratic command and decreased velocity this ST, I'm convinced that he'll need considerable time to get himself back to respectable form.

 

He has a chance to prove me wrong on Thursday. I hope he does but without a measurable improvement the Cubs have no logical choice but to send him down.

 

He's not going to fix his mechanical issues in such a situation. If he needs to do that, he needs to be on his own schedule at extended ST - he can get into simulated games and then rehab his way up the minors. There's no point in sending him wherever in the minors if he needs to work on something specific.

 

You just want him in the minors so he won't accrue service time. I think it's in the Cubs' best interest if they did whatever it took to get him back to helping the big league team - not do whatever it takes to keep control of him longer.

[biittner77]

To be clear, Prior does have options but he also must clear waivers. I don't believe that other teams won't claim him. Why wouldn't KC for example claim Prior? They are already on bad terms with Hendry and its not like hiding Mark prior in their BP is going to hurt their WS aspirations.

 

So extended ST is really the only option right now.

[wilk]

To be clear, Prior does have options but he also must clear waivers. I don't believe that other teams won't claim him. Why wouldn't KC for example claim Prior? They are already on bad terms with Hendry and its not like hiding Mark prior in their BP is going to hurt their WS aspirations.

 

So extended ST is really the only option right now.

 

He only has to clear revocable major league waivers. He'd never end up with any team who put in the claim. If this were outright/special waivers or otherwise irrevocable ML waivers, you'd be correct.

 

But I agree the best option is staying in Mesa for the reasons Raisin explained.

[biittner77]

To be clear, Prior does have options but he also must clear waivers. I don't believe that other teams won't claim him. Why wouldn't KC for example claim Prior? They are already on bad terms with Hendry and its not like hiding Mark prior in their BP is going to hurt their WS aspirations.

 

So extended ST is really the only option right now.

 

He only has to clear revocable major league waivers. He'd never end up with any team who put in the claim. If this were outright/special waivers or otherwise irrevocable ML waivers, you'd be correct.

 

But I agree the best option is staying in Mesa for the reasons Raisin explained.

 

I understand that the waivers are revocable but if your KC isn't it worth taking the chance? There's no risk in claiming him except annoying Hendry and KC's GM doesn't seem to mind that too much.

[CubColtPacer]

To be clear, Prior does have options but he also must clear waivers. I don't believe that other teams won't claim him. Why wouldn't KC for example claim Prior? They are already on bad terms with Hendry and its not like hiding Mark prior in their BP is going to hurt their WS aspirations.

 

So extended ST is really the only option right now.

 

He only has to clear revocable major league waivers. He'd never end up with any team who put in the claim. If this were outright/special waivers or otherwise irrevocable ML waivers, you'd be correct.

 

But I agree the best option is staying in Mesa for the reasons Raisin explained.

 

I understand that the waivers are revocable but if your KC isn't it worth taking the chance? There's no risk in claiming him except annoying Hendry and KC's GM doesn't seem to mind that too much.

 

If they choose that optioning him is better, does it really matter? You take a chance that you can slip him by, and if somebody claims him you pull him back and put him on the DL-isn't that allowed?