Mark O'Neal
The Cubs Trainer vs. The Secretive Nature of the Industry
Gordon Wittenmyer in his Sunday Sun-Times article extolled the virtues of Cubs trainer, Mark O'Neal. It's a really nice piece explaining how valuable an athletic trainer can be to the ballclub. Beyond the obvious treating of injured athletes, the job involves organizing effective treatment protocols, reviewing medical histories and records and something as simple as honest communication of his medical opinions to both the athlete and management after assessing all this medical input. It took some time but he's created a sense of trust of his judgement from athletes and management.
The line between keeping the manager and GM fully informed and not betraying a player's confidence is not a tough one to walk, O'Neal said, as long as it comes with honesty, straight talk and the confidence he and his staff know what they're doing.
Recent comments
Cubster (view)
So it’s Mervis, Wesn and Little for Cooper, Hendricks and Smyly. Count me in. Starting rotation for now: Taillon, Imanaga, Wicks, Assad and Brown-Wesn. Eventually Steele.
Lineup
Hoerner, Happ, Bellinger, Busch, Morel, Swanson, Tauchman, Mervis, Amaya.
KingKongvsGodzilla (view)
Another year AZPhil, and you have more to do than ever! Heck yeah! Great stuff from Rosario so far. What are your impressions of guys like Freilyn Silverio, Adan Sanchez, Jose Escobar, and Anderson Suriel? Particularly the first two, feel like I’m forgetting one.
fullykräusened (view)
My first thought was that Hendricks was IL'd with a broken ERA, but after some quick research, you're right about MLB making at least some effort to discourage the "phantom IL."
crunch (view)
luke little rejoins the MLB party...
crunch (view)
hendricks IL...lower back...
given recent backlash by MLB, i doubt this is a phanton IL.
wtf...also drew smyly to IL...right hip...
crunch (view)
boston, houston, miami...lots of potential suitors for a backup 1st/DH who won't be pain if they need regular ABs
Childersb3 (view)
BOS 1B Casas just hit the IL. Maybe Cooper goes there.
Cooper leaving does open a 40man spot. Probably for an arm at some point.
Horton?
Maybe Caissie
crunch (view)
now that cooper is gone, who's going to the IL? seems like it will probably be a pitcher at this point.
crunch (view)
can't wait to see what A-ball fringe corner OF/1st he'll be traded for...
Childersb3 (view)
Cooper DFA'd