Mark Prior Issue

[atcfootball]

Just a thought?

I have been reading that he don't want to sign a 2/1+1 year deal, basically he just wants to get the year in Chicago done and move on to another team! First, anyone got a link to this report/something like this?

 

Second thought?

Last season he started the year out in AAA, he never came up to the Cubs and did not pitch for them. Will that time count as MLB service time for him? I guess what I'm asking does that time count to his 6 years in MLB, making him a Free Agent at the end of the contract? (I'm trying to make a simple question very difficult because I don't want people to question it, its just a question).

 

Third thought?

If in fact that time don't count as MLB service time when he was in AAA it won't matter, he still has 5 years service right now, thus, this year would be his sixth season and his contract is up at the end of the year. Please I understand he is not under contract right now, but if the Cubs offer him arbitration he will be under contract one way or another.

 

Finally.... Why not offer him arbitration, sign him at the 30% less (or whatever the min. is - I think they would win since he has not pitched in a few years)... Then start him out at AAA.. Let him pitch in AAA until he proves himself to be healthy for one year! Then, that one year in the minors would not count (if in fact it don't count) in his MLB service time and basically have him in arbitration again next year and get him for a full season?

 

Everything I read here says he don't want to be in Chicago, but I have not seen nothing in a newspaper (internet or paper) that says this! I'm not trying to think of ways to screw him for a year or make him pay for NOT PLAYING/wanting to play (if he don't) for the Cubs. I'm trying to figure out a way we can keep (if he don't want to stay) a quality (when healthy) starting pitcher.

[atcfootball]

Never mind all below the first question, a link to "he don't want to play in chicago" or something close to it...

 

 

I just read that back in April they moved him from the Minor League 15 day DL to the MLB 60 day DL to stop a possible claim by the Players Union about a break in service time. The Cubs decided that the the Shoulder injury happened during ST when he was still with the Cubs; so there will be no "break in service time" with thought to avoid FA next year, I think! :)

[Sarcastic]

There's been plenty of speculation in the local press that Prior and the Cubs management dislike each other, but I don't believe I've ever seen anything really solid to back it up. If you want to find an article where it is suggested though, just look up any articles involving Prior written by Paul Sullivan.

 

If he really does just want out, signing him to any deal would probably be a waste of money. I think the reason Prior doesn't want to sign the rumored deal with a second year as a team option is because he knows that it doesn't make financial sense for him. If he is in a position where it would be beneficial for the Cubs to exercise the option, he would make a lot more money on the free agent market. If he doesn't come back and the Cubs don't pick up the option, he's has no guaranteed back up plan. The deal probably looks pretty bad from his perspective, whether he wants to stay in Chicago or not.

[Omar]

Just a thought: Could Prior's destination be influenced by where Fukudome signs? Mainly San Diego or Chicago.

[E.J.]

Just a thought: Could Prior's destination be influenced by where Fukudome signs? Mainly San Diego or Chicago.

 

I don't understand what you're getting at. Why would a Fukudome signing influence where Prior ends up this year?

[Mephistopheles]

Marky Mark will always have a special place in my heart for what he did in 2003. He was the Cy Young Award winner, fo sho.

[Wheelimus]

To be honest, I can see both sides here. If Prior were to sign a contract with a relatively cheap buyout of his 1st year of FA, he might be shooting himself in the foot. He watched us give Jason Marquis a big contract after putting up a 6+ ERA. He's got to think if he can come back by mid year and do well he can get a lot better.

 

At the same time, I understand why the Cubs are hesitant to put more money into him without the security of the option.

 

In the end, though, I feel that we should tender him a contract and go to arbitration if need be. I have zero faith that the 3 mil or so would be spent any better than on the Prior Lotto, and I also have zero belief that 3 million would really stop us from doing anything else.

 

Sign him, ride him hard to get back as early as possible, and see where things go. Maybe he comes back and has a great time and we can mend this. Maybe not.

[CuseCubFan69]

To be honest, I can see both sides here. If Prior were to sign a contract with a relatively cheap buyout of his 1st year of FA, he might be shooting himself in the foot. He watched us give Jason Marquis a big contract after putting up a 6+ ERA. He's got to think if he can come back by mid year and do well he can get a lot better.

 

At the same time, I understand why the Cubs are hesitant to put more money into him without the security of the option.

 

In the end, though, I feel that we should tender him a contract and go to arbitration if need be. I have zero faith that the 3 mil or so would be spent any better than on the Prior Lotto, and I also have zero belief that 3 million would really stop us from doing anything else.

 

Sign him, ride him hard to get back as early as possible, and see where things go. Maybe he comes back and has a great time and we can mend this. Maybe not.

 

Why would he come back early to possibly hurt his future career earnings? My guess is that he rehabs all year and is targeting 2009 as his comeback year.

[Wheelimus]

He could I suppose. But I'd have to think that he'll want to come back and showcase himself this coming season. If he misses all of 2008 he'll have a hard time getting anything more than a one year make good contract in 2009. And if he's really sick of the Cubs and having to answer the phone when they call, he might want to get traded mid year. Not going to happen if he isn't pitching.

[CuseCubFan69]

He could I suppose. But I'd have to think that he'll want to come back and showcase himself this coming season. If he misses all of 2008 he'll have a hard time getting anything more than a one year make good contract in 2009. And if he's really sick of the Cubs and having to answer the phone when they call, he might want to get traded mid year. Not going to happen if he isn't pitching.

 

Possible but it may also hurt him to showcase his talent in 2008. If he gets lit up it'll look worse and if he can rehab and just throw bullpen some team will see his potential and give him a decent deal.

[mdwilla]

If Prior is able to come back next year and make 15-20 starts and look sharp wouldn't the cubs be able to snag a draft pick if they lose him?

[CubColtPacer]

If Prior is able to come back next year and make 15-20 starts and look sharp wouldn't the cubs be able to snag a draft pick if they lose him?

 

Not likely. Those rankings are based on the totals of the previous 2 years, and the fact that Prior would have pitched less than 1 of those 2 years would weigh heavily on his ranking.

[BRASKYS SCOTCH]

Olney was on Waddle & Silvy this morning and after talking about Fukudome and Brian Roberts spoke about Prior briefly. He began with his impression that the Cubs wouldn't want to let him go for nothing but then ended with his speculation that it may be too much of a gamble for the Cubs to agree to a 1 yr offer and may just cut ties with Prior. So yeah, nothing new but have been curious to hear anything about him today as we approach the deadline to tender him an offer.

[SouthSideRyan]

2/10 option for 11.

[moorecg]

2/10 option for 11.

 

 

huh?

[jersey cubs fan]

Bruce's article appears to be indicating the likelihood is that Prior will be non-tendered. Bummer.

[Sterling30]

This is very, very sad. I hope it doesn't come to this.

[USSoccer]

Bruce's article appears to be indicating the likelihood is that Prior will be non-tendered. Bummer.

 

That's crappy.

[SouthSideRyan]

2/10 option for 11.

 

 

huh?

 

It's what I'd offer.

[CuseCubFan69]

2/10 option for 11.

 

 

huh?

 

It's what I'd offer.

 

I think he's asking what you're paying him. Is it 2 for 10 with a 1 bonus if he reaches his incentives?

[SouthSideRyan]

2/10 option for 11.

 

 

huh?

 

It's what I'd offer.

 

I think he's asking what you're paying him. Is it 2 for 10 with a 1 bonus if he reaches his incentives?

 

2 Yrs 10M, Team Option for a 3rd Yr at 11M.

 

Sounds like that might not have even got it done though :(

[CuseCubFan69]

2/10 option for 11.

 

 

huh?

 

It's what I'd offer.

 

I think he's asking what you're paying him. Is it 2 for 10 with a 1 bonus if he reaches his incentives?

 

2 Yrs 10M, Team Option for a 3rd Yr at 11M.

 

Sounds like that might not have even got it done though :(

 

You might have to add that 3rd year as mutual to make it work or player option.

[Guest]

:(

 

Terrorize the NL West when you get to San Diego, Mark.

[javy knows my name]

Is this thing for sure? When is the deadline?

[NCCubFan]

Is this thing for sure? When is the deadline?

The deadline is midnight tonight Eastern time. I don't think you ever officially non-tender somebody, you simply don't tender them by the deadline. So I believe they could change their minds and tender him up until the deadline.