Simon hospitalized

[imgreat95]

Randall Simon was hospitalized today with an irregular heartbeat. No further info available at the moment.

[BPBlueSox]

Dude...Pittsburgh teams are cursed. I've come to this conclusion.

[imgreat95]

Pirates Notebook: Simon is forced to miss workout

Friday, February 21, 2003

By Robert Dvorchak, Post-Gazette Sports Writer







BRADENTON, Fla. -- Pirates first baseman Randall Simon was an observer his first day.

Simon was held out of workouts as a precaution because abnormalities were found on a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart.

Another test, called an echocardiogram, will be administered today, which means he will not work out again.

"They just want to make sure everything is fine," Simon said. "I just can't wait till I have a chance to be out there."

Yesterday's test was part of every player's physical. The results were faxed to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, which spotted the abnormality and recommended further testing.

Simon was a teammate of Reggie Sanders in Atlanta. He was delighted at the addition of more punch to the Pirates' lineup.

"He's awesome. He was always talking to the younger guys, giving advice. He's somebody you want to be around. I think he's going to help us a lot," Simon said.

Pitchers' duel

Hitters who stepped into the batting cages yesterday during the first full squad workout faced live pitching. Or as Kevin Young mused: "Curve balls already?"

The 13 pitchers who participated had the definite advantage, and sprinkled in amid the normal batting-cage banter were jokes about 13 no-hitters.

"I don't think it was any contest," Manager Lloyd McClendon said. "This is probably the worst day of spring for the everyday players who had to come in and face live pitching the first day."

The schedule called for a workout of just less than four hours, but it was abbreviated because temperatures were in the high 70s and precautions were taken against being in the sun too long.

Reese hurting

Second baseman Pokey Reese might not get his first workout in until Tuesday.

He has been limited to conditioning work because he's wearing a splint on the top joint of his right index finger. He won't be cleared to throw, hit or take ground balls until X-rays show the injury has healed.

Reese's finger was injured last month while he was in Pittsburgh for the Pirates caravan. He slammed his car door on his finger while loading a kennel to take his pit bull, "Beans," to the veterinarian.

Hyzdu in limbo

With all of the off-season acquisitions, outfielder Adam Hyzdu is in the familiar position of being "the bubble guy" -- a spare player trying to win a roster spot.

"It's a game where you don't have a lot of control. I try to focus on the big picture. When you focus on yourself, your world becomes very small," said Hyzdu, who labored in the minor leagues for years before getting a shot with the Pirates.

"Nothing's ever concrete for a guy in my position. All I can do is focus on my preparation, my concentration, my attitude and my effort. My effort level will always be there, I can guarantee you that."

De La Rosa late

Non-roster infielder Tomas De La Rosa arrived too late to participate in drills. When he suits up today, there will be 65 players in camp -- 33 pitchers and 32 position players.

[BPBlueSox]

:itsok:

[GiveHyzduashot]

Sheesh Shawn ... my jaw just about dropped when I saw Simon was hospitalized.

He'll be practicing by Monday, I bet. I don't think it's anything too major.