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Cubbie Blue Bones And Groans
Dr. Joseph Hecht returns with a new recurring column, a breakdown of injuries to our Cubs and some of our division rivals.
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Under the Category: Break out the Blue Duct Tape.
Kerry Wood’s latest ache is apparently proximal triceps related. He is officially on the DL and back to slow rehab mode although there has been no word on when towel drills will begin. So far no MRI has been ordered but who knows since we’re not getting much information.
Baseball Prospectus’ Will Carroll has said: “What’s not so bad is that sources tell me that pain is not in the back of the shoulder, but rather nearer the triceps where Wood has already had problems this spring.” I commented on the situation a few days back on this TCR thread. Included is a nice link to triceps anatomy.
Godspeed Woody…
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Cub Pitcher Juan Mateo will also be on the DL with right shoulder impingement syndrome. This is what can lead to a rotator cuff tear but there is no cuff tear yet. The anatomy involves the acromion or distal clavicle rubbing on the top surface of the rotator cuff (supraspinatus tendon). Basically he rests the shoulder then rehabs with towel drills in his future.
Cub Utilityman, Buck Coats will also start on the DL. He had an MRI that revealed a cyst behind the knee which was apparently causing him pain. If the cyst is outside the knee joint, it is usually called a Popliteal or Baker’s cyst (insert residual Dusty jokes here). Carrie Muskat has reported that Coats will have surgery to remove it. If it’s a cyst inside the knee, and is taken care of by arthroscope the problem has a few weeks recovery time. Conversely, surgical removal of Bakers cysts require a significant incision on the back of the knee because the cysts are near the major nerves and artery that need to be protected before the cyst can be removed. If that is what Buck is getting, don’t expect to see him for a few months. (Ed. note : The ESPN.com transaction page indicates that Coats has been sent down to the minors but not placed on the DL, no word on cubs.com though)
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Under the category: Can DLee get justice?
Rafael Furcal sprained ankle is just not at a stage where the Dodgers feel safe about putting him out there…the Dodgers are simply being cautious. From the mlb.com article in the above link, Grady Little was quoted: "We have to use common sense. If he starts with any limp, how long will he be at only 80 percent? It could prolong that time. If it takes four or five days into the season to get him 100 percent, you have to consider if it's worth that. You run the risk of having him at 80 percent for three weeks.” BP’s Will Carroll says to expect Furcal to miss minimally the first week and not to expect much base stealing for a few weeks. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the category: Pass the Duct Tape to the Division Rivals.
The Reds lost OF Chris Denorfia, he tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right (throwing) elbow that will undergo surgical reconstruction (ie. Tommy John surgery). He’s out for the year, this is problematic particularly when brittle Ken Griffey shatters something again.
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Coming back from arthroscopic hip surgery in September 06 done by Dr. Byrd out of Nashville, Cardinal closer Jason Isringhausen has pitched effectively this spring except for back to back innings. Dave Duncan probably will have him on a tight leash all season.
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Pirate batting champion, Freddie Sanchez is recovering from a grade 1 sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. They even had him see famed orthopod Dr. James Andrews in Alabama, who confirmed the diagnosis. This injury usually takes 2-6 weeks to resolve and the injury occurred on March 6th so he’ll only miss the first week or two of the season. The Cubs don’t play the Pirates until April 30th so we won’t get any reprieve.
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Finally, BP’s Will Carroll reported on Otto the Dog
Otto the Dog made it through surgery and appears to be recovering comfortably after a scary incident in spring training. Knowing that his work with the ball was all that was holding him back from being a true five-tool dog, Otto had put in hours this spring trying to improve. It appears he took his work a bit too seriously and ended up with a large piece inside him.The surgery to remove it was successful, but it's clear that not only will Otto start the season on the DL, an equipment change is going to be necessary.
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