Is Strasburg the Next Mark Prior?

I don’t particularly remember the first time I heard it. It could have been right before the draft or right before his professional debut or right before his call to the big leagues. I only remember people talking about how similar Stephen Strasburg and Mark Prior were.

For those of you who don’t remember, Prior was a super-hyped prospect heading into the 2001 draft. He was the winner of the Dick Howser trophy while pitching at USC. Although Prior was considered the best prospect in the draft, he fell to the Cubs at number two because the Twins were uncertain if they would be able to sign him.

After dominating in the minors during the early months of the 2002 season, Prior made his way to Chicago where he quickly showed why so much praise was heaped upon him. Although his record was just 6-6, Prior posted a tidy 3.32 ERA and struck out 11.3 batters per nine innings.

In 2003, Prior dominated the league. He notched a 2.43 ERA and continued to strike batters out at a prolific rate. He finished third in the Cy Young race but also suffered the first injury of his MLB career. Even though Prior showed so much promise, it appears that 2003 was the beginning of the end for him.

Prior missed the first couple months of 2004 with an injured Achilles tendon. Then he missed time again in 2005 he missed time after being struck by a ball of the bat of Brad Hawpe. Prior then made only nine starts in 2006, and hasn’t pitched in the majors since.

There are many similarities between Prior and Strasburg. The pair of star pitchers are from San Diego, CA and share similar builds (Prior is an inch taller and listed at five pounds heavier). Both won the Dick Howser trophy during their final collegiate season and were in the majors less than a year after signing.

The most startling similarity however, may be what White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper calls “upside-down arm action.” Also called an “upside down W” because of the way the arms are angled while a pitch is being delivered, the arm action makes Strasburg (like Prior before him) more prone to injuries.

I’m not saying that Strasburg is a certain bet to become the next Mark Prior. While there are many similarities, there are also differences. Strasburg’s delivery isn’t quite as bad as Prior’s, and if you look back, some of Prior’s injury’s (collision with Marcus Giles, struck by batted ball) can be blamed more on luck than his pitching mechanics.

With two trips to the DL already in his rookie season, it’s hard to tell if Strasburg will ever live up to the tremendous hype placed upon him. One thing is for sure: Strasburg is a special talent. With two injuries already and a delivery that hints more might be coming, be sure to catch him while you can.

August 27, 2010 – Brett Kettyle I don’t particularly remember the first time I heard it. It could have been right before the draft or right before his professional debut or right before his call to the big leagues. I only remember people talking about how similar Stephen Strasburg and Mark Prior were. For those [...]