PopTop
01-15-2003, 11:22 AM
This could be horrible news in my opinion ... Would be real nice to have this guy's left arm in that #4 hole of the rotation ... Plus, it puts the Astros at a disadvantage trying to deal someone like Ward in order to replace Hernandez' arm since other clubs know we're more in need of another pitcher.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20030109&content_id=190759&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp
Hernandez suffers setback
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
HOUSTON -- Left-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez suffered a setback recently that could hinder him from cracking the Houston Astros' starting rotation in 2003.
According to general manager Gerry Hunsicker, the 22-year-old Hernandez reported feeling discomfort in his left shoulder during a throwing session in Valencia, Venezuela. The news is worrisome considering Hernandez was hampered by shoulder problems in both of his first two big league seasons and missed the final three weeks of the 2002 campaign with an impingement in his left shoulder and rotator cuff tendinitis.
Prior to that, Hernandez was on the disabled list from July 2 to Aug. 18 with shoulder inflammation.
In the final days of last season, the Astros announced they ruled out Hernandez having surgery after receiving a second opinion from orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The plan was for Hernandez to undergo an "aggressive rehab program" during the offseason in order to strengthen the shoulder capsule.
Hernandez stayed away from baseball-related activities until recently when he began playing catch on flat ground. However, Hunsicker confirmed the left-hander's recent setback will force him to "shut it down" until he can get to Birmingham to be re-examined by Dr. Andrews.
Because ongoing political unrest in Venezuela, entering and exiting the country has not been easy. However, Major League Baseball has been in contact with the U.S. consulate in Caracus and has arranged for all players -- Major and minor leaguers -- from all Major League Baseball teams to get their visas before a Jan. 20 deadline.
"Hopefully in the next week or two we'll be able to get (Hernandez) here," Hunsicker said.
In other news, Hunsicker confirmed he is "in active discussions" with other teams regarding several Astros players. Without elaborating on specific players, the GM cited a need to reduce payroll as the reason for pending deals.
"At this point, after signing (Jeff) Kent, we definitely need to reduce payroll," Hunsicker said. "The challenge now is to make a trade or two that not only reduces payroll but also helps the club. Ideally, I'd like to trade one or two players and get some pitching back."
It's no secret Daryle Ward is on the front burner as far as trade talks are concerned. Now that Craig Biggio is moving to either left or center, the Astros have an abundance of outfielders. Ward, who struggled defensively and did not produce the offensive numbers expected of him when he moved into a full-time role last season, is not under a long-term deal and seemingly is the most expendable.
Hunsicker does not have a timetable for potential trades.
"You can go from thinking a trade is ready to fall apart to completing one in 24 hours," he said. "We are far enough along in certain discussions that we could make a move in a day or so, or in a few weeks."
Acquiring Kent might have initially given the impression the Astros were prepared to increase their $65 million payroll. Not so. Now that the All-Star second baseman is on board, financial cuts in other areas are inevitable.
"We have a budget, and now we have to try to stick to it," Hunsicker said.
http://houston.astros.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/hou/news/hou_news.jsp?ymd=20030109&content_id=190759&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp
Hernandez suffers setback
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com
HOUSTON -- Left-handed pitcher Carlos Hernandez suffered a setback recently that could hinder him from cracking the Houston Astros' starting rotation in 2003.
According to general manager Gerry Hunsicker, the 22-year-old Hernandez reported feeling discomfort in his left shoulder during a throwing session in Valencia, Venezuela. The news is worrisome considering Hernandez was hampered by shoulder problems in both of his first two big league seasons and missed the final three weeks of the 2002 campaign with an impingement in his left shoulder and rotator cuff tendinitis.
Prior to that, Hernandez was on the disabled list from July 2 to Aug. 18 with shoulder inflammation.
In the final days of last season, the Astros announced they ruled out Hernandez having surgery after receiving a second opinion from orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Birmingham, Ala. The plan was for Hernandez to undergo an "aggressive rehab program" during the offseason in order to strengthen the shoulder capsule.
Hernandez stayed away from baseball-related activities until recently when he began playing catch on flat ground. However, Hunsicker confirmed the left-hander's recent setback will force him to "shut it down" until he can get to Birmingham to be re-examined by Dr. Andrews.
Because ongoing political unrest in Venezuela, entering and exiting the country has not been easy. However, Major League Baseball has been in contact with the U.S. consulate in Caracus and has arranged for all players -- Major and minor leaguers -- from all Major League Baseball teams to get their visas before a Jan. 20 deadline.
"Hopefully in the next week or two we'll be able to get (Hernandez) here," Hunsicker said.
In other news, Hunsicker confirmed he is "in active discussions" with other teams regarding several Astros players. Without elaborating on specific players, the GM cited a need to reduce payroll as the reason for pending deals.
"At this point, after signing (Jeff) Kent, we definitely need to reduce payroll," Hunsicker said. "The challenge now is to make a trade or two that not only reduces payroll but also helps the club. Ideally, I'd like to trade one or two players and get some pitching back."
It's no secret Daryle Ward is on the front burner as far as trade talks are concerned. Now that Craig Biggio is moving to either left or center, the Astros have an abundance of outfielders. Ward, who struggled defensively and did not produce the offensive numbers expected of him when he moved into a full-time role last season, is not under a long-term deal and seemingly is the most expendable.
Hunsicker does not have a timetable for potential trades.
"You can go from thinking a trade is ready to fall apart to completing one in 24 hours," he said. "We are far enough along in certain discussions that we could make a move in a day or so, or in a few weeks."
Acquiring Kent might have initially given the impression the Astros were prepared to increase their $65 million payroll. Not so. Now that the All-Star second baseman is on board, financial cuts in other areas are inevitable.
"We have a budget, and now we have to try to stick to it," Hunsicker said.