Olney: Prior signs with Padres

Mark Prior has agreed to a deal with his hometown San Diego Padres.

From Buster Olney:

Prior receives a one-year major league deal with $1 million base salary. The contract, which doesn't include an option, contains incentive clauses that could take the total value of the deal to over $3 million. (ESPN)

The Yankees were interested in Prior a few weeks ago, but Hank Steinbrenner ruled out any deal for the oft-injured right-handed last week.

Hank on Santana and Prior

Hank Steinbrenner, a journalist's dream, opened his mouth again today. He spoke about the Yankees' chances on acquiring Johan Santana and Mark Prior.

From Kat O'Brien:

"There's still an outside chance that we get him," Yankees senior vice president Hank Steinbrenner said by phone yesterday afternoon. "We'll see. We've got to do things based on what we think is best. I think myself and [general manager] Brian [Cashman] are going back and forth. I think we're comfortable staying where we are, and I certainly think we'd be comfortable getting Santana, too."

The Pioneer Press of St. Paul, Minn., reported yesterday that "there's buzz that a Santana trade could be made within days," but didn't specify to which team. (Newsday)

If the Twins' demands of Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and another high prospect have not changed since the Winter Meetings, I would not pull the trigger. However, if the deal Bill Madden reported is still on the table (Hughes, Cabrera, Jeff Marquez and Mitch Hilligoss), I'd have to accept it.

On Prior:

In another personnel matter, Steinbrenner said he did not expect the Yankees to go after free-agent righthander Mark Prior. The 27-year-old was once one of the top up-and-comers in baseball but has been oft-injured. This season, he was 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA in nine starts for the Cubs before shoulder surgery.

"We kind of looked into it, but at this point, no," Steinbrenner said of the Yankees' interest in Prior.

That's too bad. It wouldn't have hurt to take a chance on the right-hander if the price was right and he appeared healthy.