New Update - 3-11-04
March 11, 2004
Steroids lead us off again. The head of the baseball union Donald Fehr was in Congress on Thursday. He was asked dozens of questions by both Republicans and Democrats, the nation's anti-doping chief, baseball and football commissioners and the NFL's union leader, and the list continues. AP reporter Steve Wilstein put through a report on behalf of the AP. Here's a quote from Wilstein. "Pale and weak from recent surgery, Fehr nimbly tap-danced around the senators' challenges, brushed aside his football brethren, and jabbed back with an air of arrogance. He had his gallbladder removed, but he still had his gall."
Ivan Rodriguez told manager Alan Trammell that he would like to start practicing at both first and third. His reason for this? He wants to be able to start at either first or third when he's not catching. It should be noted that he has never been asked to play any position other than catcher. The reason for not wanting to start at catcher all the time? It's just grueling on him. I like his numbers whereever he plays - pick him up!
Padres first baseman Phil Nevin will be out two weeks. He sprained his left shoulder diving for a line drive. He underwent an MRI earlier this week which revealed there was no structural damage. He should be ready close to, if not for, Opening Day. Nevin played only 59 games last season after he dislocated that same shoulder in spring training. In those 59 games he had a great batting average of .279 with 13 homers and 46 ribbies. Keep an eye on Nevin - if he stays healthy he should be a great pick, perhaps for a backup first baseman for your team.
Jim Thome could be back for Opening Day. Thome has that broken right middle finger. The great news here is that he will not need surgery for a pin to be inserted into that finger. He'll be in a splint for about another week and half. He broke the finger about one week ago when a ground ball bounced unexpectadly high and jammed Thome's finger. Thome says "I've never had to cut my spring training short before." I'm willing to bet that he will be ready. He was tied for first place in the major last year with 47 homers and 131 ribbies. It should be a great year for Thome.
Anaheim Angels relief pticher Brendan Donnelly suffered a broken nose on Tuesday while fielding fly balls in the outfield. He underwent surgery almost immediately after that injury to reset his nose. The LA Times is reporting that he should be back for opening day. He was one of the best in the league last year as a setup man, going 2 and 2 with a 1.58 ERA. I'm not sure he'd be a good fantasy player, though.
Posted by : Mar 11 at 2:00 PM
Murphy's Law 
