Reds sign Mark Prior

[OnBaseMachine]

According to John Fay:

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — The minor leaguers reported to camp today. Among them was Mark Prior.

Yes, that Mark Prior.

Prior, a 32-year-old right-hander, has not pitched in the majors since 2006 because of shoulder problems. He’s made several comeback attempts since.

“He called me and said asked for a chance,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “I talked to Walt (Jocketty). (Prior) says he feels good. He feels like he has some unfinished business.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/201...with-the-reds/

[texasdave]

The Reds signed Mark Prior to a minor league deal, according to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer. The move reunites Prior with manager Dusty Baker, who managed Prior early in his career with the Cubs.

“He called me and said asked for a chance,” Baker told Fay. "He feels like he has some unfinished business."

Critics often point to Baker's handling of Prior as one of the reasons the promising right-hander dealt with so many injuries. Despite the perception that Baker mis-managed Prior, they have remained close and speak a couple of times each year, Fay reports.

From MLBTradeRumors.com

[coachpipe]

Can't hurt you in spring training. Risk vs reward is in the reds favor

[Kc61]

Wouldn't it be great if Prior has something left?

Of course, Dusty will throw him 270 innings LOL.

I love pickups like this.

[TRF]

If Prior wants to move to the pen, shows he's healthy and has some speed on his pitches, i'd have no problem saying sayonara to Ondrusek...

But more than likely this is a favor to get Prior some exposure for other teams. Which IMO is just good business.

[cinreds21]

Uhhh Baker is the reason why he is where he is. Probably not the best idea lol.

[Red Raindog]

Originally Posted by TRF

If Prior wants to move to the pen, shows he's healthy and has some speed on his pitches, i'd have no problem saying sayonara to Ondrusek...

But more than likely this is a favor to get Prior some exposure for other teams. Which IMO is just good business.

this

[RedEye]

Let the winning begin!

[westofyou]

Originally Posted by cinreds21

Uhhh Baker is the reason why he is where he is. Probably not the best idea lol.

The man threw a little tiny sphere for a living, he was an accident waiting to happen just like ever other pitcher out there.

[Big Red Hoss]

Why not give the guy a chance. Who knows what may come out here. Minor league deals that provide veteran depth to the team. Sounds good to me.

[The DARK]

Reminds me of the Dontrelle Willis signing a couple years back... giving a MLB burnout that isn't too old and in good shape a shot at a minor comeback. I hope he might be able to fill in admirably in the same way Willis did.

I'm glad to see the two of them on good terms, though. Given all the flak Baker took, I'm glad to see the player loyalty is still there.

[Big Red Hoss]

Its these moves that the reds have made of the last few years that make a difference. Seems like there is always someone that walt signs who is "washed up" that ends up contributing. Remember what everyone said when we went for scott rolen, Johnny Gomes, D-train.

[RichRed]

How delicious would it be to see Mark Prior contribute to a playoff-bound Reds team, under the manager who "ruined" him, no less? The gnashing of teeth in Cubsland would be the most joyous thing ever.

[Big Red Hoss]

Originally Posted by RichRed

How delicious would it be to see Mark Prior contribute to a playoff-bound Reds team, under the manager who "ruined" him, no less? The gnashing of teeth in Cubsland would be the most joyous thing ever.

Its always great to stick it to cubs fans in anyway possible.

[redsfan30]

Interesing.