Although he has had two major rounds of shoulder surgery since he last pitched in 2006, Mark Prior says he is "cautiously optimistic" his second attempt at a comeback with his hometown San Diego Padres will be successful.
Prior reported to Peoria, Ariz., with other pitchers and catchers on Feb. 13. "I am far ahead of where I was last spring at this time," said Prior. "I'm encouraged."
In 2007, Prior underwent what he described as a "three-in-one" round of shoulder surgery -- including the repair of a split in the capsule -- conducted by Dr. James Andrews in Alabama. Prior had more surgery last June 4 to re-attach the capsule to the bone.
Prior admitted "it would have been easy to cash it in" after the second round of surgery.
"Too easy," he said. "The reality is that I could have thrown my last pitch in the major leagues. But I need to know that for me. And I don't think it is over. I've always been a guy who likes to control my own environment. I want to control how I go out. I don't want to give up. And the other reality is, I could pitch again.
"Wouldn't it be something to be back on the mound in a major league game?"
Last year, the Padres paid Prior $1 million. This year, he's accepted a minor league contract with San Diego -- although he did have better offers elsewhere.
"My first goal is to be healthy," Prior told the San Diego Union-Tribune. "My second goal is to pitch. San Diego was the best place to do it. The Padres have been great with me during what I've been going through. I knew they cared. And the training staff has been great.
"I have no crystal ball. I know what I want to do, but I am at the mercy of what my arm says I am. As to when, where and how, I don't know, I don't make promises. But my shoulder feels 95 percent again and it works properly.
"In reality, the second surgery could have been a blessing in disguise. I bought some time. Last spring, I felt I was getting close. Looking back, it didn't feel right ... it didn't feel like where I needed it to be."
Prior is one of eight pitchers seeking two berths at the back end of the rotation.
WHERE, WHEN: Peoria Sports Complex, Peoria, Ariz. First exhibition game is Feb. 25 against the Mariners.
TOP CANDIDATE TO SURPRISE: C Nick Hundley stabilized a deteriorating catching situation at the end of last season and figures to improve with the help of veteran Henry Blanco this year. Hundley's arm is strong, but he needs to develop his handling of pitchers and improve on his .278 on-base percentage.
TOP CANDIDATE TO DISAPPOINT: RF Brian Giles has been one of the team's steadiest players for the past five seasons. Because of his .387 on-base percentage as a Padre, the club picked up his $9 million contract for 2009 rather than buy out the option for $3 million. However, the Padres likely will try to trade Giles during the season despite his 10-and-5 status. Giles is also facing a $9 million suit from former fiancee Cheri Olvera, who has alleged physical and mental abuse. The pressure on Giles this season could be heavy.
AUTHORITY FIGURES: Bud Black begins his third season as the Padres' manager with a 152-173 record. Ted Simmons replaces Craig Colbert as bench coach. Jim Lefebvre replaces Wally Joyner as the hitting coach.
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