Cubs will allow Prior to walk

[HoopsCubs]

The sun will rise tomorrow. And Mark Prior will probably be in a Padre uniform.

It was great winning with him. It will be just as great winning without him.

Move on friends - there's more deals to be made and ST is just around the corner (I know easier said than done).

[SABR Gamer]

A lot of yesterday's joy is gone.

 

 

The sadness of this heavily outweighs the happiness of yesterday... I feel like I would if I lost a good friend, seeing his potential and seeing that the Cubs had the gem of the entire league and going through all the crap we have to finally fix him and then do jack about trying to keep him to see if we could get any googly darn returns, and just to think what he could have been and still might be...it saddens me very greatly. When he played he was my most favorite Cub outside of Sosa, Ramirez, and Wood.

 

If only he had stayed healthy.....we would be world champs one of the last 4 years....so long Prior....and because it would just kill me to see you live up to your potential somewhere else.....I hope you suck.

 

The only bright spot in here is that just from getting to know him as a player on the Cubs, I feel decently confident he will either never pitch again, or suck, so fine....this still hurts though, I don't understand how it wouldn't hurt a real Cubs fan.

 

Another thing, it just shows me how much of a real man Kerry Wood is, that guy deserves as much respect as anyone in the damn league, dude hats off to you, thank god we got at least one class act out of the two....

 

Prior go to your California trash and play for a cheap team like the Padres who will contend in the most boring division in baseball (not counting Colorado, and even they usually suck) and then get killed in the playoffs.

 

I wish I had a time machine so I could go back and just trade Prior for Abreu, or Tejada, or even flippin Bedard straight up back then, idc.....or even farther back and poison Dusty Bakers food so the Cubs would never hire him and Prior and Wood would be lighting up the league....

 

 

Bah I'm just venting w.e, Prior do MLB a favor and just take your money and get out of baseball so you don't scam a new team out of a few million more dollars...unless it's the White Sox, Yankees, Red Sox, or Cardinals, then you can go ahead and take as much money from them as you want.

 

Whoaaaaaaa. Hey. Hold on there. Read the NSBB member guidelines in my sig please. If you are confused by any of the rules and regs of this board, feel free to PM me with questions.

 

My bad, I don't use profanity on here, this just slipped because this is as disappointing as anything that has happened in sports for me, wont happen again...

[98navigator]

Kaplin made some really good points. He kept pointing to the difference in attitude between Wood and Prior. How Wood (on Sports Central last week) said he wanted to be a Cub his entire career. Prior has never expressed that he was happy being a Cub. Kap said he wasn't a good teammate that he was not liked in the Clubhouse. That when he was rehabbing, he NEVER came by to be with the team. Wood was just the opposite. Prior apparently never got involved in the community, unlike Wood who has his celebrity bowling tournament. Kaplin wished him well but he says he can't blame the Cubs for what they did.

I was always a really big fan of Mark but if he doesn't want to show any loyalty and stay here...then maybe it is better that he leave. I guess if anything, it shows the Cubs mean business

Prior wasn't in Chicago nearly as long as Wood was. He was also abused by the coaching staff and treated terribly by the fans and media. But since it's a business, that's how the decision should be made. It would have been in the best interest of the Cubs to tender him a deal.

 

I've heard that he was very nasty to the media which made them take off the kid gloves with him... I wish Bruce Miles would add some insight into Prior behind the scenes (both in the locker room and with the media).

 

Aside from that, I think it was time to move on. If he goes on to be a successful pitcher elsewhere then so be it. I don't think he wanted to be apart of the team.

[brinoch]

I read something earlier today that said the Padres had soured on trading for Prior after they had seen his medical records. I just think he's got a long road ahead before he gets back to the Prior of old (that's even if he can come back), and if he wasn't willing to take a team option for 2009 then we needed to move on.

 

Watch the Padres sign him. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.

[Post Count Padder]

I read something earlier today that said the Padres had soured on trading for Prior after they had seen his medical records. I just think he's got a long road ahead before he gets back to the Prior of old (that's even if he can come back), and if he wasn't willing to take a team option for 2009 then we needed to move on.

 

Watch the Padres sign him. Wouldn't surprise me in the least.

I'm waiting for them to announce it within the next 24 hours.

[Hosak8]

Why are some of you guys whining so much about this? It's not like the guy will ever pitch again. What... paying him over the pat 3 years to get NOTHING was not enough for some of you?

 

Good riddance. Go occupy someone else's 60 day DL.

 

Yeah, boy, 3 years of doing nothing. He sure didn't pitch at all in 2004 or 2005.

 

Oh, wait, he did. Quite a bit. And very well, too. Weird.

 

Ahhh, yes, the trademark condescension that was discussed in another thread earlier...

 

Actually Prior was not very good in 2004. A 4.05 era and 1.35 WHIP is "very well"? 118.2 IP is "quite a bit"? For a #2 starter? Really?

 

2005 was okay, though. I'll give you that. A

[Outshined_One]

Show of hands, how many people here would be angry with the Cubs if Prior came back and pitched lights out with the Padres?

 

*Raises hand*

[Mushimus]

The sun will rise tomorrow. And Mark Prior will probably be in a Padre uniform.

It was great winning with him. It will be just as great winning without him.

Move on friends - there's more deals to be made and ST is just around the corner (I know easier said than done).

 

Well Put.

[Illini Iceman]

There was no logic good enough to justify this decision. This is Jim Hendry being childish and making his decisions based on emotion rather than logic.

 

From what I have read he will not be healthy until mid-season. Then I would expect him to be very rusty and most likely not of much use to the major league team this season. If he wouldn't agree to a contract with a club option for next year then he can walk after this season anyway. So from the Cubs perspective they pay him a pretty good salary for another year just to get him rehabbed so he can cash in as a free agent in '09. If he would not take the two year contract then I can see why the organization decided it was better to cut him loose now. I would be very surprised if whatever team he signs with does not either get a two year deal (or one year with a team option for '09) or pays a lower amount in a one year deal than what the Cubs could have forced him to take.

[C.C.]

As much as it sucks it feels right. Prior never seemed right in Chicago. It's time we set him free...

 

 

I guess we finally and forever have moved passed 2003. Thank god! On to the next chapter!

[USSoccer]

This was a stupid business and baseball decision that I hope we don't come to regret.

[BigbadB]

Why are some of you guys whining so much about this? It's not like the guy will ever pitch again. What... paying him over the pat 3 years to get NOTHING was not enough for some of you?

 

Good riddance. Go occupy someone else's 60 day DL.

 

Yeah, boy, 3 years of doing nothing. He sure didn't pitch at all in 2004 or 2005.

 

Oh, wait, he did. Quite a bit. And very well, too. Weird.

 

Ahhh, yes, the trademark condescension that was discussed in another thread earlier...

 

Actually Prior was not very good in 2004. A 4.05 era and 1.35 WHIP is "very well"? 118.2 IP is "quite a bit"? For a #2 starter? Really?

 

2005 was okay, though. I'll give you that. A

 

I hate to break up this lovely spat, but 2004 was 4 years ago.

 

2007

2006

2005

 

equals 3 years.

 

2004 = not a part of the original argument

[Brian]

Prior's September '04 was amazing, him and Z were on fire... would have been nice to see them stretch that to October :(

[Guest]

Show of hands, how many people here would be angry with the Cubs if Prior came back and pitched lights out with the Padres?

 

*Raises hand*

 

I'll be ticked if he comes back and pitches well with any team other than the Cubs.

 

This was a stupid decision by the Cubs (assuming they don't resign him) and it had better not come back to haunt them.

[brinoch]

I think my opinion on this is fairly well known. A poor decision, in my opinion.

[Sweet Swinging Billy]

First of all I was suprised that the Cubs didn't tender him. I was really disappointed because I hate it as much as anyone that Prior will no longer be a Cub...but wait!

 

I know it's unlikely but possible that Prior wont be happy with the offers he receives, so the Cubs can resign him to lesser value...

 

But wait! I forgot that Prior had no intention of staying in Chicago. He wanted to be a free agent all along. Even after the excitement that the Fukudome caused, I thought that Mark might settle for a one year incentive laden contract. But I guess I was wrong.

 

This hurts me that he's leaving the Cubs but I honestly think that he really doesn't want to be here. Even after winning the Central and making a playoff run, I didn't see any effort on his part to make it work. Goodbye Mark. I hope we go out and acquire Santana, Bedard or Haren.

[98navigator]

Show of hands, how many people here would be angry with the Cubs if Prior came back and pitched lights out with the Padres?

 

*Raises hand*

 

You don't think Prior's partially responsible for this move? His unwillingness to give the team an extra year (when everyone knows he won't pitch until mid-season or later). If some team had been willing to take him in a trade he would have gone that way but no team wanted him because the writing was on the wall; it was obvious he wasn't going to relent and now the other teams can try to sign him for pennies without giving up talent.

 

. He didn't want to be a Cub and he forced Hendry's hand. Say what you want about Jim but he has a reputation for beiing fair and honest with players (and usually will work to find them soft landings when things don't work out). I truly believe that IF Prior is ever successful again, it was never going to be as a Cub (and I don't think it's going to happen anywhere).

[abuck1220]

As much as it sucks it feels right. Prior never seemed right in Chicago. It's time we set him free...

 

yeah, that whole 2003 when he was the one of the best pitchers in the game, flat out dominating the entire second half, etc i just didnt' feel right at all.

 

 

a day after i give hendry a rare compliment, this happens.

Edited December 13, 2007 by abuck1220

[Rob]

There was no logic good enough to justify this decision. This is Jim Hendry being childish and making his decisions based on emotion rather than logic.

 

From what I have read he will not be healthy until mid-season. Then I would expect him to be very rusty and most likely not of much use to the major league team this season. If he wouldn't agree to a contract with a club option for next year then he can walk after this season anyway. So from the Cubs perspective they pay him a pretty good salary for another year just to get him rehabbed so he can cash in as a free agent in '09. If he would not take the two year contract then I can see why the organization decided it was better to cut him loose now. I would be very surprised if whatever team he signs with does not either get a two year deal (or one year with a team option for '09) or pays a lower amount in a one year deal than what the Cubs could have forced him to take.

 

A rusty Mark Prior is still better than the back end of our rotation right now. Even if he only pitched half of August and Sept, he'd be well worth the money (which wouldn't be all that much).

[Mizzou]

“I’m just an employee. The goal now is to go down and help that team win and try to make the Triple-A All-Star team. Maybe I can get invited to the Futures Game or something. I’m still 26.”

Remember that? The guy obviously has a piss poor attitude. After what the Cubs have done for him, if he wasn't willing to do the Cubs a favor by giving them the 2nd year, then screw him. I know it's sad to see him go, it's sad in a way for me too. But at the same time, we're talking about the 2008 season and a guy who hasn't been decent since 2005 and who hasn't even pitched since 2006. Maybe he'll come back and be great, but that's incredibly unlikely. It's pretty foolish to waste three million on a guy and HOPE that you get half of a season of decent starts out of him before he bolts for free agency. The Cubs are obviously sick and tired of waiting on Prior to come around. Can't say I blame them.

[abuck1220]

“I’m just an employee. The goal now is to go down and help that team win and try to make the Triple-A All-Star team. Maybe I can get invited to the Futures Game or something. I’m still 26.”

Remember that? The guy obviously has a piss poor attitude. After what the Cubs have done for him, if he wasn't willing to do the Cubs a favor by giving them the 2nd year, then screw him. I know it's sad to see him go, it's sad in a way for me too. But at the same time, we're talking about the 2008 season and a guy who hasn't been decent since 2005 and who hasn't even pitched since 2006. Maybe he'll come back and be great, but that's incredibly unlikely. It's pretty foolish to waste three million on a guy and HOPE that you get half of a season of decent starts out of him before he bolts for free agency. The Cubs are obviously sick and tired of waiting on Prior to come around. Can't say I blame them.

 

i'm sorry, what have the cubs done for him exactly? seems to me he's done more for them (ie win them the division in 2003 at a bargain price).

[CubColtPacer]

There was no logic good enough to justify this decision. This is Jim Hendry being childish and making his decisions based on emotion rather than logic.

 

From what I have read he will not be healthy until mid-season. Then I would expect him to be very rusty and most likely not of much use to the major league team this season. If he wouldn't agree to a contract with a club option for next year then he can walk after this season anyway. So from the Cubs perspective they pay him a pretty good salary for another year just to get him rehabbed so he can cash in as a free agent in '09. If he would not take the two year contract then I can see why the organization decided it was better to cut him loose now. I would be very surprised if whatever team he signs with does not either get a two year deal (or one year with a team option for '09) or pays a lower amount in a one year deal than what the Cubs could have forced him to take.

 

A rusty Mark Prior is still better than the back end of our rotation right now. Even if he only pitched half of August and Sept, he'd be well worth the money (which wouldn't be all that much).

 

A month and a half is 1/4 of the overall season. For Prior to be worth 3 million over that time, he'd have to pitch like a 12 million dollar pitcher over that month and a half, which is a 4 ERA or a little better in the current market. I honestly don't think he'll be throwing that well until 2009 even if he does regain his form eventually. It will take quite a bit of time for his velocity and command to go back to what they once were. That's JMO though.

[don_kessinger_was_good]

I can't believe all the hand-wringing over non-tendering Prior. Ridiculous.

 

1. By all accounts, he will not be ready to pitch again until mid-season, at the earliest.

2. Until that point, he would be drawing a fat salary, plus rehab costs, all on the Cubs' dime.

3. There is no question "The Employee" doesn't want to be a Cub.

4. There is no certainty he will even be ABLE to pitch again.

5. No team has/had an interest in trading for him.

 

So....you know in advance you've got him for 2008 at the most, if you tender him a contract. IF he returns healthy enough to pitch, and IF he returns in time to make a difference late in the season, then he MIGHT be worth the $3.5MM he'd command in arbitration. Though even then, prorated to a full season, that's equivalent to anywhere from $8MM to $14MM/year depending on his exact return date. Do you have any CONFIDENCE, today, that Mark Prior v.2008 is an $8MM-$14MM/year pitcher? I don't.

 

The risk/reward tradeoff stank from the Cubs perspective, and that's why Hendry let him walk. I think it was the right move. Now let's hope Hendry puts the $3.5MM of new money in the till to good use.

[nilodnayr]

The logic behind non-tendering him is this (and only this).

 

A) You absolutely know that he will not be ready to pitch before August

B) You absolutely know that no team will be interested in trading anything of value for him

C) You are unsure of either of the above, but you absolutely need his $3M in another deal to improve the team.

 

C) Seems like the most likely scenario to me

[Mizzou]

“I’m just an employee. The goal now is to go down and help that team win and try to make the Triple-A All-Star team. Maybe I can get invited to the Futures Game or something. I’m still 26.”

Remember that? The guy obviously has a piss poor attitude. After what the Cubs have done for him, if he wasn't willing to do the Cubs a favor by giving them the 2nd year, then screw him. I know it's sad to see him go, it's sad in a way for me too. But at the same time, we're talking about the 2008 season and a guy who hasn't been decent since 2005 and who hasn't even pitched since 2006. Maybe he'll come back and be great, but that's incredibly unlikely. It's pretty foolish to waste three million on a guy and HOPE that you get half of a season of decent starts out of him before he bolts for free agency. The Cubs are obviously sick and tired of waiting on Prior to come around. Can't say I blame them.

 

i'm sorry, what have the cubs done for him exactly? seems to me he's done more for them (ie win them the division in 2003 at a bargain price).

Paid him millions of dollars to do absolutely nothing for the team over the last couple years? After collecting millions for doing nothing, if he's not willing to give the Cubs another year of control (that they lost by paying him to sit on his ass last year), then I'm fine with letting him walk. He obviously doesn't want to be here, let some other team pay him to rehab and HOPE that he somehow can still be effective.