A conversation regarding the possibility of the Toronto Blue Jays signing free agent pitcher Mark Prior:

Calman:

Mark Prior, who had his second, less-invasive right shoulder surgery earlier this year, is in the midst of beginning a throwing program and should be available for the start of 2009, according to his agent, John Boggs. Mark Prior is expected to file for free agency. “He said he feels good, that his shoulder has never felt better,” said Boggs. Marcum’s replacement?

Kman:

I wouldn’t touch Prior unless I could incentive the hell out of his contract. I’d make it worth his while, something like $4 million bonus with 30 starts. Basically build it to the point where I’d pay him $10 million if I could get 180+ innings out of him. The problem is I don’t know if any agents would trust JP not to screw with his contract by skipping starts, etc, after his 2008 talent handling track record.

Calman:

Very true. With Thomas getting the JP slippery eel treatment and I think Bengie Molina was a victim of it as well (don’t quote me on that) but I could definitely see Prior ending up with 29 starts and 179.2IP based on the incentives you laid down. With shoulder injuries, the likelihood of a pitcher returning to form is far less than an elbow injury. That being said, Prior’s potential/upside is too delcious not to take a bite. JP was burned once in a “Prior” similar situation with Chris Carpenter, he shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on this opportunity.