[EMSoccerCoach]

December 3, 2017

Idols, Knights Swap Prior, Murray

In a hastily-called press conference, Los Angeles announced today a trade with New Orleans that will send 27-year-old first baseman Eddie Murray and $1,705,000 in cash to the Knights in exchange for 30-year-old starting pitcher Mark Prior.

Arguably the best pitcher over the first five seasons of the Pastime Baseball League's existence, Prior went down with elbow surgery after an incredible start to his 2014 campaign during which he posted an 0.65 ERA in his first six starts. Prior went 22-25 over the next two seasons as he struggled to regain his form.

But the deal is a confusing one because this season, Prior seemed to get it back. He went 17-9 with a 4.12 ERA...higher than his peak ERA's for certain, but he showed dominance at times again.

Murray has been in the unenviable position of being stuck behind one of the best hitters in PBL history, Dan Brouthers, a guy who is so good that Luke Easter had to change positions to accommodate him. Murray was deemed to good, to useful to give up, but was unable to play every day.

Over the last two seasons, Murray has posted an .870 OPS, and the Knights became intrigued with having him - 27 and seemingly ready to enter his prime - become part of their attempt to get back to the big dance. New Orleans has won four titles in the PBL's nine years. No other franchise has won more than one.

In his 268-game career Murray is batting .298 with 196 hits, 24 home runs, 100 runs scored and 87 RBIs.

To date in his career Prior is 129-84 with an ERA of 3.54 and 1560 strikeouts.

Eddie Murray Mark Prior