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May 3, 2006

Under The Knife

Ferris Pujols' Day Off

by Will Carroll

No big build-up today, let's just get right to it. Powered by our new weekly radio gig in Las Vegas...

• That giant sucking sound you heard in the Midwest was the collective Cardinals nation gasping at the report that Albert Pujols would miss a game with a back injury. Pujols was stiff on Tuesday, but this was something he’d evidently been playing with for nearly a week while receiving treatment. Pujols hasn’t hit one 500 feet this week, so maybe it is affecting him, but he’s not expected to miss much more time. He’ll be back in the lineup Wednesday, though don’t be surprised if he gets some extra time off here and there over the next few weeks.

• It’s been a long week for Todd Helton, but what a difference that week makes; he’s gone from a hospital bed to Triple-A in that span of time. While Helton is still feeling some physical effects from his intestinal trouble, he was able to get back on the field. While a report from Colorado Springs didn’t come in before deadline, he did play six innings rather than the planned five while enjoying a 1-3 night at the plate. That looks normal and at this stage, normal is very good for Helton and the Rox. He’ll play one more game Wednesday and should be activated when eligible on Friday. Given the way this looked last week, his coming back is pretty amazing.

• Despite all of his time spent on the DL, Mike Sweeney is no doctor. He said that it was the "same disc, same pain," but he was only half right. Sweeney has a new herniated disc in his neck rather than the same one he had over the past few seasons, a definite additional negative. Sweeney has already had an injection to ease the pain and reduce the swelling, prefiguring his move to the DL. His response to the injection will determine how long he’s out, but this looks similar to the 2004 injury that kept him out for nearly half a season. The Royals are expected to replace him on the roster with prospect Justin Huber, one of many re-arranging moves to be made in Kansas City this month. Just curious, is there a curse on signings of five years for $55 million?

• The Angels seem to have a top prospect at every position, so any injury can be cushioned by a quick flight from Salt Lake. Unfortunately, the Angels are racking up frequent flyer miles with all their early season injuries. They have two more now with Darin Erstad and Kelvim Escobar banged up. Erstad is having trouble with his right ankle due to a bone spur. He’s had this situation for nearly a year with only occasional flare-ups, so this isn’t serious. It's similarly survivable with Escobar, who has a blister that will keep him off the mound for one start. Rumors that Jered Weaver may get the call have started, though the Angels have other options as well.

• I’ve spent more time talking and asking about Carl Pavano’s butt than should be allowed for even the most confident heterosexual male. Pavano’s butt is fine, not that there’s anything wrong with that, and he continues to gear up for the rehab assignment that Yankees fans have been waiting for since... well, about the time he originally signed. Pavano’s back has been problem-free recently and his throwing is described as “good, not great” by observers. Good might be good enough for the Yankees, who could use some depth and role reassignments within their staff. The Yanks are also encouraged by the work of Octavio Dotel. He’s not far off from starting a rehab assignment of his own, possibly slotting for set-up work in between Kyle Farnsworth and Mariano Rivera before June starts.

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