Hank Not Into Prior, Yet

Mark Prior

Unfortunately, it looks like the Yanks won't be involved in the Mark Prior sweeps. Newsday.com reports:

In another personnel matter, Steinbrenner said he did not expect the Yankees to go after free-agent righthander Mark Prior. The 27-year-old was once one of the top up-and-comers in baseball but has been oft-injured. This season, he was 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA in nine starts for the Cubs before shoulder surgery.

"We kind of looked into it, but at this point, no," Steinbrenner said of the Yankees' interest in Prior.

I have advocated signing Prior all offseason, but I may actually have been wrong. Prior's agent has said that Prior is not going to sign anything longer than a 1 year deal. This would allow the Yanks to sit back and make sure he has a successful return from shoulder surgery before stepping up to the plate and offering him the farm next offseason.

Prior Non-Tendered

Mark Prior

As expected Mark Prior was non-tendered by the Chicago Cubs. Now it has been posted here more then once that signing Mark Prior to a deal, say 2years $10Million, is a perfect example of how the Yankees SHOULD use their financial might. Look at it this way, who has a better chance to be an impact major league player - Mark Prior or Andrew Brackman? Both have had major surgery, Prior last year Brackman just recently. Meanwhile Prior has major league success in his past while Brackman is all about projections. So I ask why risk 5-13 million dollars on Brackman but not Prior? Given Prior's track record the odds of him being an impact player are probably greater then Brackman.

Prior to Yankees is Smart Use of Resources

Mark Prior

This came from espn;
"Officials with other teams say that the Cubs have made it known in recent weeks that they are willing to trade Prior, which could be an alternative to working through a difficult contract decision."
The article goes on to say that prior who made 3.65 million might be looking for a multiyear deal. This is situation where the Yankees can take a flyer, invest say 2 years and 12million with a third year option and potentially get an ace caliber pitcher. If he doesn't work out it is simply a year of Carl Pavano. This is the type of move the Yankees need to take more of, short term high reward moves that cost minimal prospects and just money. If the Yankees are williing to add a an extra year to Jorge and Mariano's contracts why not use similiar money to take a chance on Prior?