Factoring in the advanced state of medical science, and the fact that Prior was as good or better than any of the other pitchers pre-layoff, and I am a cautiously optimistic Padre fan.

Factoring in the advanced state of medical science, and the fact that Prior was as good or better than any of the other pitchers pre-layoff, and I am a cautiously optimistic Padre fan.

I was thinking what Lance is suggesting. There was also a time when having Tommy John surgery was often career ending. Is there any way to take medical advances into account?

Wow - I love the inclusion of the Lahman query you used. Not only does that help people verify your results, it also helps us readers learn how to do things like that as well and contribute to baseball knowledge ourselves.

Definitely agree that data prior (to use a pun) to the Tommy John era is misleading, and perhaps even prior to 2000. The doctors' ability to fix guys up has changed radically in recent years. Prior case, of course, is sui generis; he looks fragile as can be, but the deal's only for a year. I see this as a smart play from both sides, for the years and cost to the Pads is minimal, while Prior gets to restart his career in the most pitcher-friendly park in the majors.

How come Tommy John was not included on the list.