Stark: Cubs still looking at Bullpen

[Bruno7481]

Notes from Jayson Stark:

The Cubs continue to shop for set-up relievers. But if they can't work something out with Chan Ho Park, Kiko Calero or some other free agent, we're hearing they also have some trade options out there. We're hearing they've checked in with Toronto on Scott Downs and Jason Frasor, two guys the Blue Jays have been telling teams are available.

 

 

Also the annual Mark Prior rehab story

Just because you haven't heard Mark Prior's name in a while -- like possibly since 2006 -- doesn't mean the one-time Cubs prodigy is retired. Heck, no. Prior won't even turn 30 until this September. And he's carefully working his way back from his second shoulder surgery, trying to make one more comeback.

 

It's slightly more than 20 months since Dr. James Andrews performed that most recent operation, to repair a torn shoulder capsule. Now Prior's agent, John Boggs, tells Rumblings that Prior is throwing off a mound in California, trying to ease his way back to health.

 

"Mark has been through so many timelines, at this point I'm almost allergic to the word," Boggs said. "But he's out there. He's getting himself ready. And when he's ready, I'm sure you'll hear a lot about him. Then we'll invite teams to come watch him throw. And hopefully, he'll be the next Ben Sheets."

 

 

 

www.sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/stor ... ings010129

[Sammy Sofa]

It's so depressing that Mark Prior isn't even 30 yet.

[UMFan83]

Mark who?

 

I can't believe he hasn't been under contact with us since like 2007 and still hasn't thrown a pitch for another team in a spring training or regular season game.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I still remember the excitement when I got Prior's autograph back in 2003. It's not worth a damn thing now.

[Sammy Sofa]

I still remember the excitement when I got Prior's autograph back in 2003. It's not worth a damn thing now.

 

I'll give you $5 for it.

[Post Count Padder]

It's so depressing that Mark Prior isn't even 30 yet.

Imagine what he could've accomplished had he been healthy. Would be one of the best pitchers in the game. At this point, I'd just like to see him be able to appear in one game for anyone (except the Cards).

[GhostRunner]

I can't see Joe Mauer's name without thinking about Mark Prior, and what could have been if those two 2001 picks were flipped. :banghead:

[chasinf5s]

I can't see Joe Mauer's name without thinking about Mark Prior, and what could have been if those two 2001 picks were flipped. :banghead:

 

The only thing i think is " i really hate Dusty Baker for destroying him"...

[Clem Fandango]

My brother demanded a Mark Prior autographed jersey back just before he got traded (or did he let go? Don't remember, that's how insignificant that whole situation has turned out to be). Cost me $130 or so on Ebay. Money well spent.

 

He's still convinced that Mark Prior will return to the Cubs and dominate because "he's [expletive] sweet". I think it's only because he wants that jersey not to be embarrassingly worthless

[erik316wttn]

I always liked Scott Downs. I was a little disappointed when we traded him for RonDL White.

[C.C.]

I still remember the excitement when I got Prior's autograph back in 2003. It's not worth a damn thing now.

 

I used to work at the Chicago Stock Exchange and was a guest there and I got him to sign my Cubs hat. I still have it, but the excitement of it is long gone. He took the time to talk with a lot of us and he seemed like a real cool guy.

 

 

Dammit Dusty!!!!