Some initial good news about returning home boy Mark Prior after his
debut at San Diego Padres spring training.
Here's the full story from Peoria, AZ. Thanx to AP for the info.
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Prior pain free after first workout
of spring training with Padres
Mark Prior didn't experience any pain in his surgically repaired right
shoulder during his first spring training workout with the San Diego
Padres.
Manager Bud Black said Sunday that all of his active pitchers were
injury free, including Prior, who threw 31 pitches during Saturday's
workout.
Prior, an 18-game winner with the Cubs in 2003, hasn't pitched in the
major leagues since Aug. 10, 2006. The right-hander had shoulder
surgery last season and isn't expected back until mid-May or possibly
June.
"It felt good," Prior said. "I felt pretty comfortable on the mound. I
was able to focus more on some spots than mechanics and arm."
Prior joined the Padres on Dec. 26 after spending 6 seasons with the
Cubs, signing a one-year, incentive-laden contract.
The 27-year-old Prior, who was the second pick in the June 2001 draft,
is 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA in 106 career starts.
Prior is throwing off the mound evry 5th day while doing various rehab
activities in between. Prior said he's playing long toss at distances
up to 130 feet with accuracy. He said he was encouraged when he
began playing long toss beyond 80 feet during January workouts at
Petco Park, a feat he hadn't performed in two offseasons.
JIM EDMONDS
New center fielder Jim Edmonds reported to camp and said new
conditioning tactics this offseason have him feeling better.
Acquired from St. Louis in a December trade for minor leaguer David
Freese, Edmonds was limited to 117 games last season after under-
going toe and shoulder surgery the previous winter.
Edmonds, who hit .252 with 12 homers and 53 RBIs last season, be-
gan a more stringent running program over the winter. Now he's feeling
as good as he has in years.
"I really improved everything this winter," Edmonds said. "My leg
strength went up about 300 percent. I did a lot of stuff that I really
haven't done in a while. I ran more this winter than I ran in 10
years. I'm feeling pretty good right now.
"I'm pretty excited."
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