ptatc

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 01:06 PM) I wonder if any of this caused is drop in performance in 2011. If the Sox get the 2008-2010 John Danks, it will be a tremendous addition. It possible. The injury he had is a "wear and tear" type of thing so who knows. Unless he was drunk with some buddies of his and fell on the arm, which from some stories about him may be possible.

QUOTE (Tex @ Dec 2, 2012 -> 06:45 PM) Could any of these be bought legally without a prescription? If the players thought it was ok, why didn't any player piublically say "I'm bigger because I'm taking X? They knew it was wrong. You cannot legally get them without a prescription.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 2, 2012 -> 05:30 PM) baseball has an anti-trust exemption, plus the "good of the game" powers for the commish. Sure he could but it would lead to a major union problem if you suspend a player for something that is not explicitly against the rules.

QUOTE (Jose Paniagua @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 01:03 PM) ptatc, maybe you can respond in whatever non-baseball thread we have here......but what things do you keep in mind when evaluating an ACL-tear player returning to NFL (Adrian Peterson) vs. returning to NBA (Derrick Rose) takes longer in basketball due to hardfloor vs. grass/turf? more jumping for longer continuous periods of time? The factors are sports and person specific. All ACL reconstructions (unless there are other structures involved such as MCL, PCL, and hyaline cartilage or if significant scar tissue shows up) are ready for full activity around 6-9 months. The person is the next factor. Someone who is small and relies much more on quickness and cutting (Rose) will be held out longer due to increasing the strength and proprioception abilities. He needs to know how to cut and turn on the knee again because there will be a lot of stress on it. The planting and turning on the hard surface with bodies pushing him will also prolong it a bit. They need to make sure he is really strong but also has the balance and coordination to do the activities without undue stress on the knee. Fatigue is the factor which cause the problem the first time and they want to avoid it again. On a side note. Someone like Urlacher who injured his PCL cannot play very long with it. The ligament is critical the stability in the knee and there is no good surgery like there is for the ACL. His day are number and as I said before I wouldn't be surprised if this is his last year when he realizes he cannot play up to his standards with it. The current hamstring injury is most likely due to the fact that you cannot work hamstrings with a PCL injury. It puts too much stress on the joint.

QUOTE (YASNY @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 12:03 PM) On MLB Network's Hot Stove, Harold Reynolds just predicted an ARod retirement due to this 2nd hip surgery. The injury really isn't that serious of a surgery. They just go in a remove the loose material. I'm not sure where they get this "major surgery" bit. If he retires it's because he doesn't want to do the rehab.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 12:06 PM) I heard it was the other hip, not a re-tear. I wonder if his "one year" of steroid use has anything to do with it. Not usually. PEDs usually effect muscles and tendons in the short term. It's usually not the static structures like cartilage. However, there is no telling what the abnormally increased strength does to the other structures indirectly. There is also anecdotal evidence that the brain is also effected. The growth factors are centered in the brain. I still think many of the post-concussion syndromes from former football player ie. Dave Duerson has a link to a combination with PEDs and not just the concussions.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 12:27 PM) They know they are playing on borrowed time with AJ. History suggests catchers fall fast, many at a younger age than AJ is right now. It is possible he will still be doing what he did in 2012 in 2013 and 2014. It is probably probable he won't at least one of those years. I just wonder what their ceiling is on a contract for him. I don't expect him back. Someone will pay up. The thing that he has going for him is that he is always working out and is one of the "hardest workers" in the game. It doesn't surprise me that he is lasting longer than most catchers. You're right though he is going to fall off at some point, probably during the next contract.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 11:30 AM) AJ has played 140 games or more exactly once in his career, and a several of those appearances were because he had to pinch hit or enter as a defensive replacement after a pinch hitter or runner for his back up. Don't make things up thinking you know exactly what AJ wants. And if he performs like he did last year, if he re-signed, why would his time be cut? It is all about how they think he will play the next couple of years and what it will cost, and what they really think about Flowers or someone else they could bring in. AJ has signed 3 or 4 White Sox contracts. If he was as hated or the distraction many make him out to be, he would have been gone long ago. His time may be up, and it might even be the correct move, but the 8 years he was here, the Sox got their money's worth. This is wrong. He is universally disliked. However, he is a good player and the other players deal with him. He hasn't been a distraction because he has gotten his way and played as much as he wanted. As you said this is mostly due to the quality of his backups. I wouldn't put it past KW to have planned it that way. However, if the Sox do decrease his workload below what he wants I have no doubt that you would begin to hear rumblings from the clubhouse. I don't know if it would be a significant enough for a distraction. I also have no doubt this will play a factor in his upcoming contract.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 09:04 AM) If AJ came back and went 0-60 in spring training and Flowers hit .800 with 10 homers, AJP would be starting. The quote was probably phrased a little awkwardly, but it really was harmless. I like that Flowers thinks he should be a regular catcher. If he gets the opportunity, he will have to show it on the field. Exactly. Flowers knows that if AJ is brought back it is to be the starter. He also knows from experience that if AJ is around he will want to be starting every game. AJ does not like to sit out. He catches as much if not more than almost any other catcher. Flowers knows that he will play less with AJ around than with almost any other starter.

QUOTE (southsider2k5 @ Dec 4, 2012 -> 07:58 AM) http://www.csnchicago.com/baseball-chicago...tm_medium=email There is really no reason he shouldn't be ready. The tissues involved are all static structures like ACL reconstruction or UCL replacement in the elbow. These are all very predictable in the recovery time. Moreso, than when you are dealing with active dynamic structures such as muscle or tendon repairs. The usual recovery time is 3-6 months depending on the extent of the repair. His wasn't too bad considering they have him throwing 3 months after the surgery.

QUOTE (farmteam @ Dec 3, 2012 -> 08:32 PM) Currently sipping on a Laughing Fox. So damn good. It's similar to a Fin du Monde or Hoegaarden. I've never tried it but I do enjoy Hoegaarden. I'll give it a shot.

QUOTE (SnB @ Oct 23, 2012 -> 10:50 AM) Definitely my favorite microbrew. Everything they create is so damn smooth. New Glarus makes a really good sour beer. They are fast becoming one of my favorite microbrews.

QUOTE (IlliniKrush @ Dec 3, 2012 -> 10:44 AM) Brad Lidge is retiring. The White Sox should put a statue of him in the park.

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Dec 2, 2012 -> 10:40 AM) I hear people say all the time that steroids were not banned, but that's just not true. A quick google search gave me this nugget. "On June 7, 1991, commissioner Fay Vincent sent a memo to each team and the players union that stated: "The possession, sale or use of any illegal drug or controlled substance by Major League players or personnel is strictly prohibited ... This prohibition applies to all illegal drugs ... including steroids." The seven-page document didn't cover random testing -- that had to be bargained with the union -- but it did outline treatment and penalties." Link http://grg51.typepad.com/steroid_nation/20...ids-in-bas.html I've seen that before and I agree. However, since it wasn't negotiated and no specifics were named the rule is very subjective. A memo does not constitute a rule. That is why I think some people could debate it. In my mind it is illegal and regardless of the rule in baseball, it's cheating and should be treated as such.

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Nov 28, 2012 -> 11:24 PM) As terrible as steroids were, this. Rose and Jackson not being in is incredibly stupid. And what I learned from this is that Buehrle had to be a roider. He was drafted in the 38th round after getting cut in High School. Where did the sudden talent come from? Had to be roids. Rose doesn't deserve to be in the HOF. The rules of baseball said that if you gamble on the game you are gone. It was proven he gambled on the game. There is no discussion. There is discussion about the PED users. I believe it is ethically wrong (and more important medically wrong) to use them. However, there was no rule at the time against them. I wouldn't vote them in but that's more a personal view than rules of the game.

QUOTE (Cali @ Nov 29, 2012 -> 10:10 PM) Getting rid of a loser like Floyd? Sign me up. He is 70-66 lifetime. By definition that makes him a winner. Sorry sarcasm meter is on after watching BBT

QUOTE (Quinarvy @ Nov 24, 2012 -> 02:56 AM) Thought the same with Robin, so I can see it happening. Robin did stay around the game though. He did some broadcasting and was working with the front office when KW talked him into interviewing for manager. I see Mark disappearing onto his land and never being seen again (in baseball).

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 18, 2012 -> 12:17 PM) I thin it is a safe bet not one of those guys will ever be as good as Jose Reyes. It is a good trade if you are rebuilding and have to free up,some money, but that is not what it was. It was a trade to free up some money for Loria to put in his own bank account. He probably has lost any chance for fans now. I would think with Reyes, Stanton, Bonafacio, maybe Logan Morrision comes back, Johaon, Buehrle, Nolasco, you had a team with a couple of pieces that could easily be considered a playoff contender. Pulling the plug shows they have no commitment. The park is built, lease is signed, Miami got played. I can understand how Selig cannot reject the trade, but for him not to put pressure on Loria to get out would be sad. I hope this is the end of public money going into ballparks. The guy has a $20 million payroll now. BTW, Escobar is a cancer. They couldn't wait to get rid of him in Atlanta, they couldn't wait to get rid of him in Toronto, and it will be the same any other place he goes. The guy owns the team and has every right to do what he wants with it. However, he has destroyed any confidence the players, fans or city has in him and I hope the other owners can push him out and let him leave with his profits. The trade may be good from a pure player stand point (with prospects you never know). I like public money being spent as long as the public can benefit such as owning the parking, a portion of the tickets etc. It is usually a good way to make money along with the people it brings to a given area.

QUOTE (lasttriptotulsa @ Nov 15, 2012 -> 08:57 AM) Rodney certainly had an amazing season, but I'd say Eckersley's 1990 season was better. 48 saves, .60 ERA, .614 WHIP an insane 18.25 SO/BB ratio. Only walked 4 batters in 73 1/3 innings (one was intentional). I'm never a fan of voting for a reliever as Cy Young. As remarkable as Rodney's season was, he still "only" had a WAR of 3.7. Amazing for a reliever, but barely over half of what a typical Cy Young winner has. This is where I really disagree with the WAR calculation. It mostly uses innings pitched in the calculation. I would say a reliever could have an impact on more games than a starter.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 13, 2012 -> 05:42 PM) I don't know how the fanbase can ever trust the ownership in Miami ever again. Maybe it's the other way around. The management was probably thinking "we got a new stadium, a new manager and spend alot of money on a team and no one showed up, so screw all of them" I don't think the management believes anyone will ever show up. Play poorly, draw even fewer fans and move in a few years.

QUOTE (ROC Sox Fan @ Nov 6, 2012 -> 09:36 PM) Yea I mean, alcohol and crack cocaine abuse is bad. But are there studies out there that show they directly lead to a more injury prone athlete? I get the assumptions. That s*** ain't healthy, but what data is there to back it up? Chronic alcohol abuse has been shown to limit healing because of abuse to the cardiovascular system with vasodialation and vasoconstriction. This limits the amount of nutrients and such that the body needs for healing. There are studies that show marijuana decreases capacity for healing. The TCH in it really limits the inflammatory process and thus limits healing and will make injuries worse and take longer to heal. This is why you see it used for "medical purposes" in cases of chronic inflammatory conditions like glacoma. I haven't come across any studies with cocaine but as you say it can't be good.

QUOTE (CyAcosta41 @ Oct 6, 2012 -> 11:10 PM) We're looking at the same facts and seeing it differently. That's all. Yes. This would have been a significant surgery. I run with a great many orthopaedic guys, including those who work closely with the current and former Sox guys. And it was also a significant INJURY. As I said, in HINDSIGHT (because we couldn't tell whether the chips/bodies would move around in such a way that would free Paul up, or, whether he'd be the miracle man and be able to do the most difficult thing in all of sports -- with one hand tied behind his back), we would have been better off with EVEN a Johnson/Jackson platoon pairing. Clearly, a better idea would have been an acceptable and experienced power bat. I had no problem with trying to see if Paul could play this way. I have a big problem with trying it this was for nearly 2-1/2 months, when even a dedicated fan (and of course all advanced scouts) could see that Paul was no longer Paul, he was essentially Gordon Beckham (but being asked to do Paul's job in the #4 hole). Yep. The Sox have a lot of money tied-up with Konerko. They also have a lot of money tied-uo with an aging roster as a whole (with a limited window to win). And they have a fiduciary duty (of sorts) to put the best product out there for the paying customer. We'll continue to disagree because at some point, sooner or later, they should have stopped Paul from trotting out there with the same old problem, but somehow expecting a different result. Sounds like that folksy definition of "insanity." Really respect your many medical field contributions here, but I think whether to play this guy, and for how long, as you yourself admit, is much broader than a medical decision. That was einstein's definition. And I fully agree that is was more than medical but it also was not PK's alone to make. My original point is that is was not PK's ego or "macho toughness" alone that made the decision. It was a combination of this plus the management team realizing that what PK could give them was better than whatever else they had. I also agree that they could have shut him down if KW could find a replacement that was better than PK with the injured wrist. In hindsight PK was bad but I don't think they really had any other option on the team or in the minors.

QUOTE (CyAcosta41 @ Oct 5, 2012 -> 02:44 PM) First off PTATC ... I always enjoy your contributions, especially those involving medical and physical therapy related issues (I have MANY friends and relatives in the orthopaedic surgery world, so I know that the words of those with experience are valuable and carry a lot of weight). However, we'll have to disagree on this one. Maybe better than saying "stupidity and selfishness," I should have said "stupidity and out of control ego." I agree -- Captain Paul is not at all a selfish player. But he IS a player. And ego helps a star player transcend ho-hum, league average players, and play at the star level. Clearly, Paul thought that even one-handed, he had the talent, smarts, and resolve to help the team. But you know what? While you love that attitude, hitting a baseball is fricking difficult. And Paul's post All-Star game stats (NOT his second half ... but post All Star where I believe he hit in the .230's for the remainder of the year, plus the occasional HR or two ... basically, he hit like Gordon Beckham), plus his completely different Mr. Slappy Approach (which told ME ... and I'm sure scouts too .. that he had no confidence that he could continue to mash in his familiar style), was ego overtaking smarts. A mashing threat out of a first baseman or DH (because since Dunn was there for first base, then ANY available strong bat could have replaced Konerko) could have been tried. You're right -- Konerko, and therefore likely Ventura and/or KW, thought a damaged Konerko was BETTER than the other options -- but I guess I disagree. Obviously with the benefit of hindsight, it would have been better to perhaps platoon Dan Johnson and Connor Jackson (probably our system's best and most advanced bats) instead of getting what we wound up getting from post All-Star break Paul Konerko. Or, asked KW to trade away some of our surplus of decent relief arms (your Omogrossos, Marinezes, Heaths, and so on, of the world) for mashers you might like better than Johnson and Jackson. But, all I'm saying now is that some of us are not just saying this in hindsight. We saw it happening. Because Paul is such a known commodity (with certain tendencies), it wasn't difficult to see what was happening. I'm in no way saying that I'm smarter or more baseball savvy than Konerko, Ventura, or Williams, but I also don't have any difficulty using my eyeballs and logic over ego, where I think one or all of these gentlemen prioritized ego over logic. It was worth a try to see if he could still perform one-handed. But that try meant 2-3 weeks, NOT 2-3 months. To me, that was one of the major "bad decisions" of this always interesting 2012 season. Yes, we will have to disagree. I still don't think that a platoon of Jackson and Johnson would have been much better than PK. At the time you didn't know how much it would effect him. If KW could have acquired a better option, I agree. If he has the surgery he is pretty much out for at least 4-6 weeks and with a rehab assignment for getting timing back you are looking at 2 months minimum without him. With the 2-3 weeks of trying it first That's almost September before he returns. I agree that all professional athletes have that ego that helps their confidence and pushes them to another level. However, in a case like this it would have been a combo decision between PK,RV,KW, Herm Schneider and Bush-Joseph (their primary orthopedic surgeon). So putting it on PK and his ego would have been only a small piece of the decision, if at all. With the money invested in the players these days the other members of the decision carry alot of the weight. It's not like this was a sprained ankle, strained hamstring or something to "gut through." This was a significant surgery.

QUOTE (greg775 @ Oct 4, 2012 -> 05:42 PM) You guys need to please erase your disdain for Ozzeroo a moment to hear me out. Olney's scoop proves Oz is out of a job. Ozzie is without a team (KC should hire him TOMORROW but that's a different topic). However I want to make a point about the whole issue. This whole thing is a microcosm of society. What Ozzie did a few weeks ago was anger a rich man, a man who has a bunch of yes men around him. This rich man (Loria) was called out (sort of) by Ozzie. Ozzie said something like, 'Why do they have so many managers that have been fired?' Or something like 'Why has he had so many managers?' When the rich f***, Loria, read those statements, that was it for Ozzie. This tells us a lot about Loria. By god, NOBODY in that man's life talks down to him; nobody in Loria's life can get away with calling him out publicly. Case closed. Ozzie said something about Loria and that is that. Oz was gone on that day. It just obviously INFURIATED Loria. Now the question is: Is Oz smart as a Fox? Did he do it to get 3 years salary for no work? Realizing that Loria is a buffoon and working for him is something you do not want to do? Or did Ozzie get caught being Ozzie again? If you hear the interview it is totally obvious Loria is overreacting. But Loria is acting like the spoiled rich boy he is. Wow! An underling like Ozzie called him out; bye bye. This is a lesson for all of us in real life. You call out your 'boss' and you are GONE! The difference here, Mr. Loria, is Ozzie is also rich. And he's a former spoiled ballplayer. Mr. Loria, if you want a yes man, butt kisser then you better hire somebody who needs the job. Ozzie never said anything bad about Jerry cause Jerry was like his second dad. The joke is on Ozzie and Loria both. Cause Loria is now the new Steinbrenner. He goes through another manager?? Wow. Or is Ozzie laughing all the way to the bank? Did Ozzie do this for the quick cash? I'd think probably not; he probably likes going to the ballpark every day ... but going to the park and having to talk to Loria and his yes-men including his adopted son??? I dunno, folks. Ozzie may be smarter than we all think.... You obviously have something against people with money. I didn't realize it was a crime to to have money. I also didn't realize that only stupid buffoons have money. I'm not sure what you do for a living but "telling off your boss" will get you fired in almost every profession. The fact is I am one of Ozzie's supporters. I think he is a good manager. However, his mouth and antics got him pushed out of here (after the most successful run of any manager in Sox history) and he seemed to escalate it in Miami and didn't give himself a chance to succeed. It's not Loria's fault that Ozzie acted the way he did. Loria should have known about it and not hired him if he didn't like it however.

QUOTE (Marty34 @ Oct 5, 2012 -> 07:47 AM) No, the Angels. Yet they are a thriving franchise. Point being the attendance issue is blown way out of proportion. They also have a single majority owner who is a billionaire. That is a great advantage as opposed to the ownership group which the Sox have.