6:33pm: MLB.com’s Corey Brock talked to Boggs, who says Prior is interested in returning to the Padres. He could be a low-cost option for them, but it’s unknown whether they’re interested. Prior is currently playing catch (well, maybe not right this second).
10:24am: According to ESPN’s Buster Olney:
Mark Prior, who had a second, less-invasive surgery on his right shoulder earlier this year, is in the midst of a throwing program and should be ready for the start of the 2009 season, said his agent, John Boggs. Prior is expected to file for free agency. "He said he feels good, that his shoulder has never felt better," said Boggs.
Prior, 28, was originally targeting May for his Padres debut. Then it was pushed to June, and then his season ended with more surgery. Last winter, at least ten teams contacted Boggs about Prior. Aside from the Padres, the most aggressive were the Astros, Cardinals, Mets, and Rangers.
