Mark Prior, who had shoulder surgery more than four months ago, is starting to play catch again and wants to pitch for the Padres next season. He will declare for free agency after the World Series, having signed a one-year deal with San Diego last December worth $1 million. "We would definitely be interested in the Padres," said agent Josh Boggs said. "It's a situation where I'm sure he would love the opportunity to come back with the Padres. "But they [Padres] will have to express interest. Hopefully they're interested in us. We're interested in any team that has reciprocal interest in Mark." Prior, who never pitched for the Padres in 2008, is a native of San Diego.