Possibly the greatest
pitching talent to arrive in
Major League Baseball during this
generation (though fans of the
Florida Marlins may argue for
Dontrelle Willis),
Chicago Cubs right-hander Mark Prior is also widely regarded as the best
college pitcher of all time following some amazing work at the
University of Southern California. In his senior year, he allowed only 18
walks while amassing 202
strikeouts, an unbelievable ratio.
Prior spent only a few weeks in the minor leagues. There, in short stints with the Double-A West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx and the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, he not only dominated from the mound in every start, but was one of the more feared hitters in either league.
Making his major league debut on May 22nd, 2002, Prior struck out 10 batters and earned a no-decision. He would finish that season 6-6 with a 3.32 ERA.
Prior stands 6'5" and weighs 230 pounds. He throws a fastball in the mid-90's of miles per hour and a sharp breaking curveball. His most noticeable traits are his smooth delivery -- nearly perfect in its form -- and his pinpoint accuracy. Barring injury, he is as likely as any young player to eventually reach the Hall of Fame.