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August 4, 2004

Under The Knife

The Dog Days

by Will Carroll

August is an interesting time. It's just after the deadline, players are getting fatigued, and managers are looking to spot guys as the heat of summer takes its toll. Teams can make big moves or blow out their chances for fall success, so I'll watch closely to let you know which ways the teams are going. Even in this nearly-decided regular season, there's still enough time to collapse, if not catch up.

On to the injuries …

• Ken Griffey Jr. convinced the Reds medical staff that he was healthy enough to be activated, but he was not in the Reds' lineup for their Tuesday night thumping in San Francisco. Griffey is able to sprint, stop, and change directions to the satisfaction of the team and should slot back into center field immediately with regular off days. There has been some speculation that the Reds might try Austin Kearns at third base in an attempt to find enough slots for all their talented bats, but team sources say that's not likely. Given the awful track record of outfield-to-third base conversions, that's a wise choice.

• The Astros cling to hopes of a wild-card berth in the playoffs, but their pitching staff will have to improve to make that dream come true. Andy Pettitte is making progress, but is still unlikely to answer the bell for his next scheduled start. Wade Miller is looking less and less like someone they can rely on for any innings. Miller had another cortisone shot in his ailing pitching shoulder and will not throw for ten days. In the best-case scenario, Miller could get back by September 1, but surgery is the next step if this shot doesn't relieve the pain in Miller's damaged shoulder.

• The rehab-start struggles I referenced a few days ago will keep Tim Hudson from returning to the mound on Thursday. Instead, the A's will have Hudson work a longer than normal bullpen session to test his stamina, then will likely have someone ready to come in after five innings on Saturday. This will tax the bullpen slightly, but is smart to protect Hudson since his value is amplified by the pennant race. (Yes, I know it's "division race," but that sounds lame.)

• After two years of sturm und drang, the Mets are conceding that Mike Piazza may have known best all along. The move from behind the plate has done nothing for Piazza, either in helping him stay strong all season or avoiding injury. He'll likely move back behind the plate for the majority of the season, with the Mets planning to acquire a first baseman in the off-season. It's certainly easier to find a decent first sacker than it is a slugging catcher, as the cheap trade of Doug Mientkiewicz showed. Piazza's position change shouldn't affect much else.

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