Mark Prior is back!

The independent Golden League‘s Orange County Flyers announced last week that they had signed former Chicago Cubs All-Star pitcher Mark Prior. “I want to get back out there and get some competitive games under my belt,” said Prior, who was a first-team All-American pitcher for USC in 2001. “It’s been a few years with a couple shoulder surgeries. I finally feel that I’m at a point now that I can go out, compete and get guys out, so that’s the first step.” Pitching for the Chicago Cubs for 5 seasons beginning in 2002, Prior won 42 games.  His best season came in 2003 when he went 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA.  In 2004 the injury bug bit Prior, beginning with an achilles tendon injury followed up by elbow and  shoulder injuries.  Prior had major shoulder surgery, didn’t pitch in 2007 and was subsequently cut by the Cubs.  The San Diego Padres took a chance on Prior but he had a recurrence of shoulder issues and he was released mid-season wi...