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Cubs pitcher Prior says he's ready for 2007

MLB, Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs pitcher Mark Prior, whose 2006 season was shortened by injuries, says he's feeling good and ready for spring training.

Mark Prior Prior

Prior was among Cubs pitchers who threw for
pitching coach Larry Rothschild on Friday morning at Northwestern University.

"I've thrown five or six [bullpen sessions] and everything feels good," Prior told the Chicago Sun-Times. "I'm just looking forward to '07 and putting everything behind me."

Prior made only nine appearances in 2006, going 1-6 with a 7.21 earned run average -- well above his 3.51 career ERA.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Rothschild gave him a positive scouting report on Prior's progress.

"[Rothschild] said Prior threw the ball better, mechanically, than he did all of last year," Piniella said Friday. "So he is very encouraged."

While Prior works on regaining his pre-injury form, there's the matter of what he'll be paid this coming season. After making $3.65 million last season, Prior is seeking a slight raise to $3.875 million in salary arbitration. The Cubs have offered a slight pay cut, to $3.4 million.

Prior told the Sun-Times the salary haggling is "just part of the business of baseball."

"My agent is working on it, and I'm just worried about what's going to happen on the field in 2007," he said.

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