Prior Considerations

As the Cubs mull over the notion of dealing Mark Prior, here’s a question: Should the Detroit Tigers make a play for the right-hander?Why not, I say.

[S]ince he went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA in 2003, Prior has had repeated physical problems, and has pitched in just 57 games over the last four seasons — and none in 2007.

But if you slide him into a low-pressure bullpen role in Detroit, perhaps you give him the opportunity to get well and regain his strength and sharpness. Assuming all that happens, all of a sudden you have a gem to slide into the rotation when Kenny Rogers departs for good. (Assuming, again, that he hasn’t already.)I don’t know about you, but I like the sound of a rotation featuring Verlander, Bonderman, Miller, Robertson and Prior.The idea of trading Prior isn’t the gaining headlines in Chicago. Instead, the Cubs want to sign him, or so it appears.

[The Cubs] hope to sign Prior to a two-year deal with incentives rather than let him play out the string with the Cubs and sign elsewhere in 2009. They may decide to trade or non-tender the right-hander if he doesn’t agree to a deal in the next month.

If the Cubs non-tender him I’d think the Tigers make a call.One has to wonder, though, if they go the trade route, what would it take to get Prior?Footnotes

• If the Twins trade Joe Nathan to the Brewers or the Giants, I’ll be glad he’s out of the Tigers’ division. Oh, how I wish he were the Tigers closer. The guy throws bullets.
• Good to hear that Gary Sheffield’s rehab is going well. I’d forgotten all about it.
• I’ve got no problem with LaTroy Hawkins on a one-year deal. Two? You’re pushing it.