GaryMrMets
05-28-2004, 04:17 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/8778773.htm
Posted on Fri, May. 28, 2004
Phillies Notes | Wagner makes amends with trainer
By Jim Salisbury
Inquirer Staff Writer
Closer Billy Wagner and trainer Jeff Cooper are buddies again.
Wagner, who had clashed with Cooper over treatment of a groin injury, yesterday apologized for remarks he had made in New York on Wednesday.
"I went in, we sat down, and we're on the same page," Wagner said. "Now me and Coop love each other and we're expecting our first child."
Wagner's flippancy seemed to defuse a situation that had caused some tension around Citizens Bank Park. Cooper, in his 24th year as the Phillies' head trainer, is well-respected by organization elders. Wagner's comments did not sit well with some.
"Any time you're in a new organization, you're going to bump heads with someone," Wagner said. "I'm sorry. I feel like I disrespected Coop. He's been around a long time. He's definitely qualified. I feel bad that I cast a shadow on him."
Cooper was unavailable for comment.
Wagner, who hasn't pitched since May 7, sought out Cooper at the ballpark yesterday. The two met for 15 minutes.
"We had to get used to each other and learn to communicate," Wagner said. "Today was a big step. Coop understands I'm an aggressive player and that I'm frustrated. He wants me to play, but he wants to treat this so it doesn't recur."
Wagner ran wind sprints before the game. He still feels some discomfort in his ailing left groin when he throws, so there is no timetable for his return. Wagner will throw on flat ground today and tomorrow.
Accident scene. Manager Larry Bowa left the ballpark shortly after 3:30 p.m. when he learned that his daughter, Victoria, had been in an auto accident near the stadium.
Bowa accompanied his daughter to Methodist Hospital, where she was treated and released. He said doctors told her she had a slight concussion and whiplash.
Victoria Bowa, 20, is an intern in the Phillies' marketing department. She was turning left onto Darien Street from eastbound Pattison Avenue when her BMW was struck by a Ford Explorer headed west on Pattison, according to police. The driver of the Explorer, Jason Osner, 25, was on duty as a SEPTA police officer, driving an unmarked car. He was not hurt, but both vehicles were destroyed.
"You look at the car and you wonder how she walked away," said Bowa, who returned to manage the game.
Extra bases.Pat Burrell was not in the lineup last night. Ricky Ledee started in left field. Bowa said he wanted to give Burrell a night off and get Ledee a start... . Randy Wolf, who missed his last start due to elbow soreness, will start tonight against Atlanta's Mike Hampton... . Vicente Padilla, who felt stiffness in his elbow during his last start, will make his start tomorrow.
Posted on Fri, May. 28, 2004
Phillies Notes | Wagner makes amends with trainer
By Jim Salisbury
Inquirer Staff Writer
Closer Billy Wagner and trainer Jeff Cooper are buddies again.
Wagner, who had clashed with Cooper over treatment of a groin injury, yesterday apologized for remarks he had made in New York on Wednesday.
"I went in, we sat down, and we're on the same page," Wagner said. "Now me and Coop love each other and we're expecting our first child."
Wagner's flippancy seemed to defuse a situation that had caused some tension around Citizens Bank Park. Cooper, in his 24th year as the Phillies' head trainer, is well-respected by organization elders. Wagner's comments did not sit well with some.
"Any time you're in a new organization, you're going to bump heads with someone," Wagner said. "I'm sorry. I feel like I disrespected Coop. He's been around a long time. He's definitely qualified. I feel bad that I cast a shadow on him."
Cooper was unavailable for comment.
Wagner, who hasn't pitched since May 7, sought out Cooper at the ballpark yesterday. The two met for 15 minutes.
"We had to get used to each other and learn to communicate," Wagner said. "Today was a big step. Coop understands I'm an aggressive player and that I'm frustrated. He wants me to play, but he wants to treat this so it doesn't recur."
Wagner ran wind sprints before the game. He still feels some discomfort in his ailing left groin when he throws, so there is no timetable for his return. Wagner will throw on flat ground today and tomorrow.
Accident scene. Manager Larry Bowa left the ballpark shortly after 3:30 p.m. when he learned that his daughter, Victoria, had been in an auto accident near the stadium.
Bowa accompanied his daughter to Methodist Hospital, where she was treated and released. He said doctors told her she had a slight concussion and whiplash.
Victoria Bowa, 20, is an intern in the Phillies' marketing department. She was turning left onto Darien Street from eastbound Pattison Avenue when her BMW was struck by a Ford Explorer headed west on Pattison, according to police. The driver of the Explorer, Jason Osner, 25, was on duty as a SEPTA police officer, driving an unmarked car. He was not hurt, but both vehicles were destroyed.
"You look at the car and you wonder how she walked away," said Bowa, who returned to manage the game.
Extra bases.Pat Burrell was not in the lineup last night. Ricky Ledee started in left field. Bowa said he wanted to give Burrell a night off and get Ledee a start... . Randy Wolf, who missed his last start due to elbow soreness, will start tonight against Atlanta's Mike Hampton... . Vicente Padilla, who felt stiffness in his elbow during his last start, will make his start tomorrow.