Nats, Mets, Yanks Interested In Prior

UPDATE, 12-15-07 at 12:47pm: The Phillies are one team that does not have interest in Prior.

UPDATE, 12-15-07 at 8:48am: Ed Price adds that the Yankees and Mets have both shown preliminary interest in Prior.  Apparently he is throwing on flat ground and could be ready by May.  Translation: he may return by the second half. Price believes roughly a dozen clubs are interested in Prior.

FROM 12-14-07 at 11:53pm:

The Nationals are looking in the bargain bin for a veteran starting pitcher.  Two options they're considering are Mark Prior and Jason Jennings, according to MLB.com's Bill Ladson.  The Nats first touched base with Jennings' agent around November 6th.  Prior is a new name for them though.

Jennings has the Royals, Rangers, Rockies, and Mets on his trail as well.  As for Prior, the Astros, Reds, Rangers, Phillies, and Padres may be the most interested clubs.

Comments

[rootman1010]

i bet the astros make a strong push for prior and/or jennings. they're having a great off-season with the improved bullpen and offense, but their rotation is at least one solid pitcher short. i am sad to see prior go as i am a die-hard cubs fan. it would have been nice to see them agree to that one year deal with an option for '09.

[CUBS=NOTHING]

The Nats might be a team flying under the radar, but they realy need to address their staff, and I think that taking a chance on either of these guys couldn't hurt their chances. I would rather take Jennings but Prior could be a bargain if healthy, which to me seems very doubtfull.

[Laputian]

So what exactly is Prior looking for, does anyone know? Is he looking for one year? A year and then a player option? ( I guess we know the team option turns him off ) Any idea what it is he wants?

[djskilbr]

What does Prior want?

You mean besides his vaginal area to stop hurting?

[BaseBallz]

If the Nationals signed Jennings that would be awesome. I have been very impressed so far with their off season this year.

Bowden is really starting to impress so i wouldn't put it past him to sign a guy like Jenning. Livan Hernandez would be even better

[Ryhawk]

What is the deal with Prior? I think he has great potential based on his past experience, but how does it work when he is non tendered.

Do the worst teams get a shot at him first, or does he become a straight up free agent and get to listen to offers from any team and choose which one he wants.

And when is he expected to actually be healthy to play again? From chicago media,i have heard the start of the season, to August, to maybe the start of 09. Any ideas?

[Ryhawk]

Laputian, from i have heard on the rasio stations in chicago, he wants a one year deal with a player option for the second year with no exclusions to that deal.

That way if he does bounce back, he can demand more on the FA market for more years, and if he is garbage he can just accept the option and take the cash and sit at home and 'recover'.

[djskilbr]

All non-tenders are straight out FA's.

And he's expected to be back by May or June if all goes well (obviously a long shot).

[TrueCubsFan]

Yes, the Nats like all the terrible guys. No wonder they want Jennings or Prior.

[nic]

spoken like a true cub's fan...

[TrueCubsFan]

NIC

Glad to see you see the light

[camarodude39]

Bowden does realize that Prior and Jennings are pitchers and not high ceiling outfielders right?

Just checking because I thought those were the only types of players the Nats scout. haha

[nic]

I dont think you get it...I'm making fun of cub's fans.

[cachhubguy]

The Astros should sign Clemens, then Tejada will have someone to shoot up with.

[no funny hats]

Does anyone realistically think Prior would be a Phillie?

[C-Gouds' UltimateBaseball]

Its a shame that prior isn't making 20MM a year. he really had the skills. I still believe he will return to his 20 win form. Whoever signs him is getting the ultimate bargain, as mentioned at http://ultimatebaseball-cGouds.blogspot.com

[tolo316]

@no funny hats

There's potential for Prior to be a Phillie.

We sign Kris Benson and when he inevitably gets hurt by June, we can sign Prior to take his spot.

But that's the only way.

[nrmax88]

Breaking:

Hank Steinbrenner has just released a statement, where he put a deadline.... on his dinner for tonight? If his food isnt ready by 6:30 pm sharp, he isnt eating it, and he will divorce his wife and begin negotiationgs with "other candidates". He gave no further comment.

[GlenallenHill]

I feel sorry for the poor GM that signs Mark Prior. Sure he'll come back in May or June, but he'll be firing 85 mph "fast"balls. I am shocked he was not mentioned in the Mitchell Report, he must have actually been smart about getting his roids. Mr. Incredible Shrinking Calves.

[nrmax88]

Why, its not like Prior is going to make 15 mil per over 5 years. He will be a low risk high reward guy. You should use your sympathy towards a target that might actually need it. I doubt Prior will cost a GM his job if he bombs out once again this year.

[Iron Nat]

As a Nat's fan I hope we don't have to wait a couple of hundred years to win a World Series like Cub's fan have.

[yankfan1]

I hope the Mets get him so they could mess up with him. T don't understand why so many teams like him. He was good at one time but not anymore, his career is about done. I don't think the Yankees are interested in him but if they are how stupid are they?

[nrmax88]

How is it ever stupid to sign a huge upside guy to a cheap low risk contract? I mean, you are obviously pretty stupid, as evidenced by most of your posts, so as I am typing out this post I wonder why I even bother to respond to your trash.

[nrmax88]

What is the worst case scenario of signing Prior? You give him 3 or 4 mil, he gets hurt again, or he is ineffective, so you cut him, the upside is he finds himself once again and starts to dominate again. It is a very small chance, but still, there is no risk there. I mean, if you want to call the Yankees stupid, call them stupid for handing out tons of big contracts, lots of those contracts to guys who were cheating, not for considering taking a cheap flyer on a guy with some upside left.

[cachhubguy]

It sounds like alot of you don't understand Priors situation. The earliest he will return is May or June. But probably won't be very effective this year if he can throw. The biggest problem is that he is a free agent in 2009. So do you want to give him 3 or 4 million to rehab this year and then walk away in free agency? It doesn't make sense. If you want Prior you can get him in free agency in 2009, when you have a better idea if he is healthy.

[PistolPete]

"what does Prior want?" I don't know if he wants one but he needs a sack.....

[lostinthevines]

Three or four million is a lot of risk, when that $$$ can be applied to landing a different 3rd or 4th, relief help, etc., depending on what your team's needa are To me, sinking that $$$ into a maybe-to-probably-not, selfish, habitual rehab headcase is definitely a worst-case scenario. There's better out there, evenin AA

[lostinthevines]

And I'm a Cubs fan, by the way. I just have very little patience for Prior, given his shitty attitude and me-first demeanor

[JD]

Jason Jennings should be a better gamble for anyone who's looking for a starting pitcher on the cheap; his career has not been a history of injuries.

[HoratioAlgae]

The Yankees are interested in Mark Prior? Didn't they learn their lesson with Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright?