Mark Pavano, I Mean Prior

 

So another often injured Cubbie is gaining interest.  This time, instead of Kerry Wood, a Mark Prior trade is gaining steam as the Cubs have disclosed to other clubs that they would like to rid themselves of this unknown unknown (with well-known stuff).

Mark Prior is essentially a cautionary tale about an utterly dominant force on the hill… when healthy.  He was phenomenal in 2003 (over 200 IP), then it kind of went downhill from there although he posted solid numbers in 2005.  He had shoulder surgery last April and is expected to pitch in 2008.

So… should the Yankees go after him?  It’s inevitable that this question would be asked by almost any Yankee fan.  It’s the way we work, we’re just built a specific way.  Mark Prior was so good that it would be wrong not to ask.  But, it would also be very wrong to assume that he is a realistic option for the Yankees.

Snap back to reality for a second.  Remember Carl Pavano?  Do you think Cashman, in a year where he’s basically playing for his job, would offer another Mr. Glass type of pitcher an actual deal?  Remember Kei Igawa?  Mike Mussina?  These are guys that the Yankees are still trying to deal with, and signing another injury prone star who hasn’t pitched a substantial amount of innings for the past 2 years is not necessarily a winning move.

Then again… it may also be a huge move that could pay off dividends if it works out.  That’s “if it works out,” not “when it works out.”  Are we really going to give up anything of value to get him?  What if that player we give up (a pitcher from our system, an outfielder, whatever) goes on to be solid, while Prior injures himself sitting on the bench.

Can the Yankees afford to give up prospects while they negotiate for Santana or Haren or another starter with actual value for 2008 (long-shots: Bedard, Kazmir)?

We’ll see.  Either way, I’m sure that if we do get involved, Hank Steinbrenner will tell us everything about it.