he has a firm hand grip

4/9 11:14 am: Mark Prior threw a full batting practice session on Tuesday, according to the Union-Tribune. That was his first outing since the one six days earlier, which was notably cut short by shoulder tightness. Manager Black noted that Prior will likely pitch in a simulated game within two weeks.

bad karma follows Smiff to San Diego

News item: The Padres are looking at having Mark Prior begin a rehab assignment in April and return to the majors in early May.

Lest We Forget that the Dark Ages Were a Faith-Based Initiative (cont'd)

News item: A court in Sudan today began hearing the case of a British teacher charged with inciting religious hatred for letting her pupils name a teddy bear Muhammad. If convicted, she faces up to 40 lashes, with the verdict and sentence up to the judge.