GaryMrMets
08-01-2004, 07:58 PM
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/9286709.htm
Posted on Sat, Jul. 31, 2004
Phillies Notes | Wagner on DL with shoulder strain
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
CHICAGO - Finger. Back. Groin. Shoulder.
Phillies closer Billy Wagner has suffered four kinds of injuries this season. The latest, a posterior rotator cuff strain in his left shoulder, put him on the disabled list (retroactive to July 22) for the second time this season.
"This season has been a ball," Wagner said with just a dash of sarcasm before yesterday's 10-7 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. "Loads. I guess every player has to go through this sometimes to really understand how much fun the game actually is. It [stinks] right now."
Wagner had an MRI in Philadelphia on Thursday, so he missed the team's meeting after their fourth straight loss to Florida at Pro Player Stadium. Teammates filled him in.
"I think we have too many sensitive people on this team," he said. "I mean, including coaches and players. But we're a good team. We are. And you know what? We haven't played well against Florida. There's no secret in that. But we know we're a good team. We just need to relax and play."
But isn't the clubhouse too tight?
"Of course it is," he said. "Of course. That's just because we put too much pressure on one game. One series. You know, you get to the playoffs and it's a lot worse than this."
Wagner said he isn't sure how the clubhouse can relax. He suggested just trying to have fun.
He also dismissed talk that Phillies manager Larry Bowa is the source for the team's woes.
"The problem isn't Bo," he said. "Bowa can't [mess] up this team. This team is too good."
They're certainly not as good with Wagner and Ryan Madson not healthy, though they acquired relief pitchers Todd Jones and Felix Rodriguez last night.
Wagner doesn't expect to throw again until the team returns from its 13-game road trip on Aug. 9. There is no timetable for his return.
Wagner has been told that the injury is not serious, although a rotator cuff injury is never taken lightly.
"That's a pitcher's nightmare," he said. "But to get a good understanding that it's nothing real serious, it's not a tear, I'm able to go on and build it up. It'll be fine."
Padilla almost ready. Righthander Vicente Padilla could return to the rotation Aug. 10 against Colorado at Citizens Bank Park, if today's rehab start for single-A Clearwater and a second rehab start Thursday run smoothly.
Phenom promoted. The Phillies promoted righthander Gavin Floyd from double-A Reading to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
They also promoted slugging first baseman Ryan Howard from Reading to Scranton.
Could Floyd, the 21-year-old righthander, figure into the Phillies' plans in September?
"We haven't even talked about that," assistant GM Mike Arbuckle said. "Right now, we feel like he's ready for the challenge of triple A. He's made excellent strides with the command of his pitches in the strike zone." Floyd, the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft, was 6-6 with a 2.57 ERA (second best in the Eastern League) in 20 starts at Reading. Many teams have asked for Floyd in trade talks, but the Phils consider him untouchable. He could challenge for a spot in the Phillies' starting rotation next spring.
No deal. The Phils ceased dealings with lefthander James Adkins, their 13th-round pick in the June draft. Adkins, a long shot to sign, will attend Tennessee.
Posted on Sat, Jul. 31, 2004
Phillies Notes | Wagner on DL with shoulder strain
By Todd Zolecki
Inquirer Staff Writer
CHICAGO - Finger. Back. Groin. Shoulder.
Phillies closer Billy Wagner has suffered four kinds of injuries this season. The latest, a posterior rotator cuff strain in his left shoulder, put him on the disabled list (retroactive to July 22) for the second time this season.
"This season has been a ball," Wagner said with just a dash of sarcasm before yesterday's 10-7 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. "Loads. I guess every player has to go through this sometimes to really understand how much fun the game actually is. It [stinks] right now."
Wagner had an MRI in Philadelphia on Thursday, so he missed the team's meeting after their fourth straight loss to Florida at Pro Player Stadium. Teammates filled him in.
"I think we have too many sensitive people on this team," he said. "I mean, including coaches and players. But we're a good team. We are. And you know what? We haven't played well against Florida. There's no secret in that. But we know we're a good team. We just need to relax and play."
But isn't the clubhouse too tight?
"Of course it is," he said. "Of course. That's just because we put too much pressure on one game. One series. You know, you get to the playoffs and it's a lot worse than this."
Wagner said he isn't sure how the clubhouse can relax. He suggested just trying to have fun.
He also dismissed talk that Phillies manager Larry Bowa is the source for the team's woes.
"The problem isn't Bo," he said. "Bowa can't [mess] up this team. This team is too good."
They're certainly not as good with Wagner and Ryan Madson not healthy, though they acquired relief pitchers Todd Jones and Felix Rodriguez last night.
Wagner doesn't expect to throw again until the team returns from its 13-game road trip on Aug. 9. There is no timetable for his return.
Wagner has been told that the injury is not serious, although a rotator cuff injury is never taken lightly.
"That's a pitcher's nightmare," he said. "But to get a good understanding that it's nothing real serious, it's not a tear, I'm able to go on and build it up. It'll be fine."
Padilla almost ready. Righthander Vicente Padilla could return to the rotation Aug. 10 against Colorado at Citizens Bank Park, if today's rehab start for single-A Clearwater and a second rehab start Thursday run smoothly.
Phenom promoted. The Phillies promoted righthander Gavin Floyd from double-A Reading to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
They also promoted slugging first baseman Ryan Howard from Reading to Scranton.
Could Floyd, the 21-year-old righthander, figure into the Phillies' plans in September?
"We haven't even talked about that," assistant GM Mike Arbuckle said. "Right now, we feel like he's ready for the challenge of triple A. He's made excellent strides with the command of his pitches in the strike zone." Floyd, the fourth overall pick in the 2001 draft, was 6-6 with a 2.57 ERA (second best in the Eastern League) in 20 starts at Reading. Many teams have asked for Floyd in trade talks, but the Phils consider him untouchable. He could challenge for a spot in the Phillies' starting rotation next spring.
No deal. The Phils ceased dealings with lefthander James Adkins, their 13th-round pick in the June draft. Adkins, a long shot to sign, will attend Tennessee.