Mark Prior, a neighbor to free agent pitcher Jason Schmidt, is trying to persuade him to sign with the Cubs. Schmidt has ruled out all East Coast teams do to his desire to stay on the west. But, if Mark Prior and Jim Hendry both pursue him, Schmidt might make an exception and leave the West Coast. Schmidt, 33, went 11-9 with a 3.59 ERA. Schmidt is looking for a deal around 3-4 years, 13-15 annually.