Jeff Roberson / AP

Cubs pitcher Mark Prior made just nine appearances in the 2006 season.

Mark Prior says he's ready for spring training.

The injury plagued Chicago Cubs pitcher was among a group of Cubs pitchers who threw Friday at Northwestern, this after a series of arm problems shortened his 2006 season.

"I've thrown five or six [bullpen sessions] and everything feels good," Prior told the Chicago Sun-Times. "I'm just looking forward to '07 and putting everything behind me."

Prior made nine appearances in 2006, going 1-6 with a 7.21 earned run average. He has a 3.51 career ERA .

Cubs manager Lou Piniella said Rothschild gave him a positive scouting report on Prior's progress.

"[Rothschild] said Prior threw the ball better, mechanically, than he did all of last year," Piniella said Friday. "So he is very encouraged."

While Prior works on regaining his pre-injury form, there's the matter of what he'll be paid this coming season. After making $3.65 million last season, Prior is seeking a slight raise to $3.875 million in salary arbitration. The Cubs have offered a slight pay cut, to $3.4 million.

Prior told the Sun-Times the salary haggling is "just part of the business of baseball."

"My agent is working on it, and I'm just worried about what's going to happen on the field in 2007," he said.

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