Prospect Throwback: Mark Prior, P, San Diego Padres

If you are looking for the real-life definition of a "can't miss" prospect, look no further than ex-Chicago Cubs ace, Mark Prior.

Prior, armed with a high-90s fastball and a knee-buckling curveball, coupled with Kerry Wood, another greatly-hyped former top prospect, were predicted to dominate the National League for years to come.

In fact, Prior finished 18-6 with a 2.43 ERA and 245 Ks in 2003, en route to a third-place finish in the Cy Young Award race.  And, if it weren't for the infamous "Steve Bartman" play, the Cubs probably would have reached the World Series, and Prior's magic season would've continued.

Prior only lasted 21 mostly-miserable starts in 2004, before his season was cut short with injuries. In 2005, he bounced back and won 11 games with a respectable 3.67 ERA and 188 Ks.

Early in 2006, Prior was shut down for good with shoulder woes, and hasn't pitched in the Major Leagues since. He was demoted to Triple-A Iowa after a dismal Spring Training and was again shut down, only this time he had surgery to repair his bum shoulder and was eventually non-tendered by the Cubs late last year.

And just when it seemed that Prior's "can't miss" career was about to permanently derail, he signed on with the San Diego Padres over the winter with sights on resurrecting his once-promising career.  The Padres view him as a low-risk, high-reward addition and who can blame them.

He is expected to join the team around June 1st and immediately slot-in as the 5th starter surrounded by the likes of reigning Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy, 300 game winner and future Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, Chris Young and Randy Wolf, giving Padres' fans something to be excited about come August and September, when the Playoff race begins to heat up.

Back in 2001, Prior's trading cards were the hottest in the hobby.  His 2001 Donruss Elite Extra Edition rookie cards were quick sellers at $200 each, as were his 2001 Upper Deck SPx autographed rookie card and his 2001 Fleer Platinum, which used to fetch about $15.

All can be had for a fraction of those prices, and could prove to be shrewd additions to your collection in the near future.