Chicago Cubs Pitcher Mark Prior Re-signs
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Chicago Cubs Pitcher Mark Prior Re-signs
Summary:
Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior has re-signed with the team, agreeing to a one-year, $3.65 million contract on January 27. This deal offers him $900,000 more than his previous contract, which he voided in November.Article:
Mark Prior, a key pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, has ended speculation by re-signing with the team on January 27 for a one-year, $3.65 million contract. This deal is $900,000 more than what he would have earned had he not voided his previous contract last November.
Since his remarkable 2003 season, where he went 18-6 and helped the Cubs come close to the World Series, Prior's performance has simmered slightly, resulting in a 17-11 record over the past two years. An elbow injury sidelined him early last season, but he recovered to finish with an 11-7 record and a 3.67 ERA over 27 games.
Despite off-season trade rumors linking him to teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Baltimore Orioles, Prior remained largely unfazed. "It’s part of the game," he stated, attributing most rumors to speculation unless confirmed by high-ranking Cubs officials. Fans showed their support during the 21st Cubs Convention, chanting “No trade, no trade” when he was introduced.
Prior opted out of his initial contract not out of discontent but to pursue arbitration, a pre-agreed term meant to potentially increase his earnings. This strategic move paid off in 2006.
Reflecting on his past injuries, Prior emphasized the importance of health in his career. He's been working to refine his pitching form this off-season. "I love playing here," he expressed, highlighting his fondness for the city of Chicago and his desire to stay with the Cubs.
In the arbitration process that followed his contract voidance, negotiations resulted in the $3.65 million agreement, between his $4 million request and the Cubs' $3.3 million offer. General Manager Jim Hendry expressed satisfaction with the resolution and hopes for Prior's success in the upcoming season.
Several other Cubs players are also involved in arbitration talks, including Jerry Hairston, Juan Pierre, Will Ohman, and Carlos Zambrano. Hendry is keen to resolve these discussions amicably, maintaining the team's history of avoiding arbitration hearings.
With arbitration eligibility defined by service time in Major League Baseball, Prior, with his three years and 131 days in the league, fit the criteria perfectly. In this process, players and teams propose salary figures, moving to arbitration if no agreement is reached.
Juan Pierre, Carlos Zambrano, and others have submitted salary requests, with negotiations ongoing. For example, Zambrano, who had a standout season last year, asked for $7.2 million against the Cubs’ $6 million offer.
Mark Prior's re-signing offers hope to Cubs fans who wish to see their star pitcher continue his journey in the Windy City, contributing to the team’s future successes.
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