Mark Prior told reporters he never was upset at being the subject of trade talk, despite a published report he was "peeved." Prior said he believed the Cubs "weren't necessarily dangling me out there and trying to get rid of me," though he expected to discuss the trade rumor with Hendry later that evening. "It would make sense from the standpoint that Jim wants a shortstop and [Baltimore] needs pitching," Prior said. "Obviously they're not going to want guys in [Class] A ball and Double A. They want guys ready to pitch right now at the big-league level. "If they're going to request me, if it's an honest negotiation, that's part of the business. Now if there is something out there where they are trying to trade me, I would hope somebody would just be honest with me and tell me that. But I don't think that's the case." Prior has three more seasons before he's eligible for free agency, and wants to play for the Cubs for many years to come. "I love playing here, " he said. "I have no desire to leave. There was a report I wanted to jump ship and go out west. I have no desire [to go]. I love playing in the city of Chicago, I love the town, I love being here. I didn't think I could be as fortunate as I was to fall here out of college. "I love watching the Bears. I love watching the Bulls. I don't think there is any other town as good as Chicago that offers so much ? [in] all aspects of life."