One time projected major league phenom Mark Prior has recovered sufficiently from long-time shoulder woes to try a comeback at age 29 with the Orange County Flyers of Fullerton, CA in the Golden League.
A strong name like Prior, the No. 2 free agent draft choice behind all-everything Joe Mauer in 2001 who has a 42-29 major league record, including an 18-6 campaign with the Chicago Cubs in ’03, could help rescue interest wherever he plays although Flyers Manager Paul Abbott says he will be used as a set-up man.
“I want to get back out there and get some competitive games under my belt,” Prior was quoted in a team release. “I finally feel that I’m at a point that I can go out, compete and get guys out, so that’s the first step” back from shoulder surgery. Prior hurled a scoreless inning with one strikeout in his debut.
The following is an excerpt from an Independent Baseball Insider column including Chicagoland news written by Bob Wirz on 2-15-09 on Independent Baseball. Fans may subscribe at www.WirzandAssociates.com, be sure to enter promo code THE SPORTS BANK.
Now in its eighth year, the Independent Baseball Insider covers every Independent league. It is written by Bob Wirz, whose lengthy career in sports includes serving as Chief Spokesman for Baseball Commissioners Bowie Kuhn and Peter Ueberroth from 1974-85.
* * * *
www.AtlanticLeagueBaseball.com ADDED TO www.IndyBaseballChatter.com
FOR ADDITIONAL INDEPENDENT BASEBALL COVERAGE?
* * * *
