Player Profile: Mark Prior

Fantasy Impact:
When healthy Mark Prior is a good pitcher. He hasn't been nearly as good as we all expected but that potential is still there. However, before Prior can reach that potential he has to learn to stay on the field. I'm not sure if its Prior's motion, Dusty Baker's abuse or just bad luck which is keeping Prior off the field but it certainly seems that the Cubs are almost done waiting for him to turn into the ace they thought they had cheaply. In a draft I wouldn't pay anything close to full price for Prior and unfortunately (if you want him) thats what you'll have to pay as Prior is stillvery very popular with the fantasy crowds.

Expect and Pay for no better than:

150 IP / 3.50 era/ 1.20 whip/ 12-12 record (remember the Cubs stink)

Background:
Prior grew up in San Diego and was a fan of the Giants and Padres. When he started pitchers he modeled himself after Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens. He bcame a major star while still with the University of Southern California. He pitched for Team USA. He was drafted #2 overall by the Cubs after the twins elected to pick Joe Mauer. He recieved $10.5 million to sign with the Cubs. Prior is a disciple of Tom House and constantly works to refine his mechanics.

Year	Team	G	GS	W	L	SV	CG	SHO	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP	BAA
2002	CHC	19	19	6	6	0	1	0	116.2	98	45	43	14	38	147	3.32	1.17	.226
2003	CHC	30	30	18	6	0	3	1	211.1	183	67	57	15	50	245	2.43	1.10	.231
2004	CHC	21	21	6	4	0	0	0	118.2	112	53	53	14	48	139	4.02	1.35	.251
2005	CHC	27	27	11	7	0	1	0	166.2	143	73	68	25	59	188	3.67	1.21	.227
Career		97	97	41	23	0	5	1	613.1	536	238	221	68	195	719	3.24	1.19	.233