If it's #1, then the responsible thing to do would be to spend the next 3 years trying to win with him, and hopefully change his mind before he gets the chance. If, by chance, 2.5 years from now the situation hasn't changed, then you put him up for auction to the highest bidding contender and get the most you possibly can for him. Don't except less now just because some people are hung up on the linedrive. Exactly. Several posters here believe that the Cubs control Prior's rights for another 3 years, and that matches up with everything I've read and heard from the time he was drafted and signed. Sullivan did write in today's Trib that the Cubs only control him for another 2 years. I believe it's 3, but I'll acknowledge some uncertainty exists. That said, unless Prior hates the Cubs SO MUCH that he would sabotage his career out of spite, vengeance and an inner burning rage that cannot be appeased, it doesn't make much sense to say he must be traded now to avoid him walking in 2-3 years. There's more short-term danger of Tejada hating the Cubs and demanding to walk after this next season. What if Pawalek hates the Cubs? Will Hendry trade him as soon as possible to avoid him leaving several years from now? Though I'm sure if Prior is traded, we'll hear all about how he hated the Cubs. Maybe they even have a videotape to PROVE it.