GaryMrMets
05-27-2004, 02:05 PM
http://www.courierpostonline.com/news/sports/s052704e.htm
Wagner clashes with trainer over treatment
Thursday, May 27, 2004
By EDWARD de la FUENTE
Gannett News Service
NEW YORK
Like all ballplayers stuck on the disabled list, Phillies closer Billy Wagner is going stir-crazy. He wants to return to the mound, but a strained left groin has kept him idle for nearly two weeks and likely for at least one more.
He believes he might be back by now, though, had he done things his way.
Wagner acknowledged Wednesday that there has been a significant difference in treatment philosophies between him and team trainer Jeff Cooper, one he believes prolonged his stay on the DL.
"It took some time to get on the same page," Wagner said. "It's probably because I'm so competitive, and he's so laid-back.
"It's not about challenging him. It's about getting back on the field. I'm not doubting his ability."
Cooper, who maintains a policy of not speaking to reporters, refused to comment Wednesday.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Cooper is in his 24th year as the Phillies' head trainer and is widely respected around the sport. Wagner knows that. "It's not a question of respect," Wagner said. "It's a question of, we did some things differently before, and it worked."
Wagner said he has suffered strained groins several times in his seven-year career, usually in spring training, but only once has it landed him on the DL. He is finding that the Phillies' training staff treats his injuries differently.
Saturday, nine days after originally suffering the injury (May 13), Wagner tried to throw off a mound and aggravated the strain. Now he is treating the groin in a more familiar manner, doing resistance work to strengthen it. Before, he said, most of the focus was on strengthening the muscles around the groin.
"I wasn't used to doing that, but I listened," Wagner said.
Wagner now says he wasn't ready to throw when he did, but said nothing about it beforehand.
"All I know is, I know what it takes to get me on the field," Wagner said. "I don't know anything about medicine. Coop does. I don't have a degree in medicine. I just have a degree in pitching."
As far as making sure future clashes don't occur, Wagner said, "We're going to have to communicate. He's going to have to learn what gets me on the field. I'm not 23 years old. I know my body."
Wagner clashes with trainer over treatment
Thursday, May 27, 2004
By EDWARD de la FUENTE
Gannett News Service
NEW YORK
Like all ballplayers stuck on the disabled list, Phillies closer Billy Wagner is going stir-crazy. He wants to return to the mound, but a strained left groin has kept him idle for nearly two weeks and likely for at least one more.
He believes he might be back by now, though, had he done things his way.
Wagner acknowledged Wednesday that there has been a significant difference in treatment philosophies between him and team trainer Jeff Cooper, one he believes prolonged his stay on the DL.
"It took some time to get on the same page," Wagner said. "It's probably because I'm so competitive, and he's so laid-back.
"It's not about challenging him. It's about getting back on the field. I'm not doubting his ability."
Cooper, who maintains a policy of not speaking to reporters, refused to comment Wednesday.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Cooper is in his 24th year as the Phillies' head trainer and is widely respected around the sport. Wagner knows that. "It's not a question of respect," Wagner said. "It's a question of, we did some things differently before, and it worked."
Wagner said he has suffered strained groins several times in his seven-year career, usually in spring training, but only once has it landed him on the DL. He is finding that the Phillies' training staff treats his injuries differently.
Saturday, nine days after originally suffering the injury (May 13), Wagner tried to throw off a mound and aggravated the strain. Now he is treating the groin in a more familiar manner, doing resistance work to strengthen it. Before, he said, most of the focus was on strengthening the muscles around the groin.
"I wasn't used to doing that, but I listened," Wagner said.
Wagner now says he wasn't ready to throw when he did, but said nothing about it beforehand.
"All I know is, I know what it takes to get me on the field," Wagner said. "I don't know anything about medicine. Coop does. I don't have a degree in medicine. I just have a degree in pitching."
As far as making sure future clashes don't occur, Wagner said, "We're going to have to communicate. He's going to have to learn what gets me on the field. I'm not 23 years old. I know my body."