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The latest issue of Sports Illustrated gives about a dozen different perspectives from first round pitching phenoms. With Stephen Strasburg being the first pick this year, guys like Tim Belcher, Andy Benes, Floyd Bannister, and Mark Prior give their takes on the pressures of being The Next Big Thing: "The Hype", "The Expectations", "The Show", "The Fall", and "The Aftermath". Here's what Prior said:

The Show - When I got called up, I was replacing a guy who was 1--7, and Don Baylor was getting fired and we were on our way to losing 95 games. Joe Girardi was my catcher and he said, "Be professional, know your job, know your responsibilities on the field and off." My transition happened so fast, I don't think I appreciated what it took to get there.

The Fall - Injuries make you look at the big picture, at what it means to be in the major leagues. It's not like I was one of those guys who was drafted high and never made it or barely made it. I made it, performed at a high level and because of injuries wasn't able to maintain that level.

The Aftermath - Unfortunately, there's no timetable for my return right now. It's good, it's bad, it's rehab. The Padres are giving me the time I need. The more I'm away from the game, the more I appreciate the intricacies of it. That's what I miss. I miss watching guys and knowing, 'This is what I would do in that situation.' I just want to play again.

Dan

4 months ago Milton-bradley-chicago-cubs_tiny dtpollitt 5 comments 0 recs  | 

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Give the guy some credit, at least.

Seven years later, he appears to have figured things out. But with his injuries, it may be too late.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 14, 2009 4:06 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe his Dad is locked up somewhere then

"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008

by BeerCub on Jun 14, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The story of Mark Prior is tragic.

I think he deserves better than a lot of Cubs fans give him.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Jun 14, 2009 1:39 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I think the reason Cubs fans soured on him...

… was his attitude the last year or so he was here, the “employee” comment, etc.

The statements above show him in a much better light.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al on Jun 14, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I still hope he can turn things around.

I know it would take a miracle at this point, but stranger things have happened in this world.

by owllover711 on Jun 14, 2009 11:34 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

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