Part 2 of 11
Mark Prior
The Chicago Cubs drafted pitcher Mark Prior with the second pick of the 2001 amateur draft. Although he was considered the top player, the Minnesota Twins passed on him because of concerns about his asking price.
Interestingly, the Twins consolation prize was local hero Joe Mauer while the Cubs signed Prior to a record $10.5 million contract. Mauer has captured three batting titles and turned into one of baseball's very best players.
Prior appeared on his way to fulfill his tremendous promise when he posted an 18-6 record, 2.43 ERA and 245 strikeouts in his first full season. For his efforts, Prior earned All-Star honors and finished third in the NL Cy Young voting.
Unfortunately, injuries started to accumulate. The next season he suffered an achilles tendon injury, but returned to record 16 K's in a start against the Reds.
The next four seasons were marred with a variety of injuries including a fractured elbow and shoulder tear that required reconstructive surgery. The Stephen Strasburg of his time now sits waiting for a team to call and give the 29-year old hurler a chance to revise his career.
No comments:
Post a Comment