Baseball Toaster: Dodger Thoughts : Heal or Heel

Heal or Heel

2007-01-24 08:46

by Jon Weisman

Do we have yet another example of a Dodger playing in pain when he shouldn't have been?

Baseball Prospectus writers Marc Normandin and Jay Jaffe combined to remind us of his little-noticed tidbit from Ken Gurnick at MLB.com on August 21:

It won't stop infielder Julio Lugo from playing, but when he was acquired from Tampa Bay in last month's deadline deal, he reported with an injured middle finger on his right hand.

Trainer Stan Johnston said the injury is to a ligament around the knuckle nearest the fingertip, making it difficult for Lugo to fully straighten the finger. He said the discomfort is felt both while throwing and batting.

Johnston fitted Lugo with a metal splint to wear when he's not playing in hopes the injury will heal without requiring surgery.

Putting aside whether last summer's trade should have even gone through for a healthy Lugo, much less an injured one, did it make sense to keep pushing him out there when he was hurt? Note that this report was published three weeks after Lugo arrived in Los Angeles. (And the fact that it comes beneath an Eric Gagne update is poetic.)

With a revamped medical staff in 2007, let's turn over a new leaf. Injured players get to heal. Just try it - you might like it.

Comments

2007-01-24 11:02:57

1. kinbote

somewhat off on a tangent, but does anyone think the presence of loney as 1B/OF swingman will make saenz & anderson into more traditional pinch-hitters as opposed to spot starters? (i'm also not sure how many more times we can trot saenz out as our 3B anyway . . . )

i'd like to see loney get first crack at starting when either nomar or gonzo gets the day off. in this scenario, we keep both saenz & anderson stashed on the bench for the inevitable late-inning pinch-hitting opportunity.

i suppose the link to above is that saenz & anderson would be better rested/healthier.

2007-01-24 11:06:10

2. Bob Timmermann

Just think of what Lugo could have done if he had been completely healthy.

(pauses)

Well, that didn't take long.

2007-01-24 11:13:50

3. regfairfield

1 For what it's worth, I think Loney is going to be in AAA until Nomar or Gonzo goes down, so Olmedo/Anderson will get the spot starts.

Ned/Grady seem to like the 12 man bullpen, so unless we do something unthinkable like cut Ramon Martinez or Jason Repko, there's no room for Loney on the active roster.

2007-01-24 11:20:33

4. rockmrete

I hate to say it, but nomar at first for two years. And LaRoach with a bad wing, could be Andy gets moved to first and Loney plus someone gets you star type player in return( calling Tampa Bay )

2007-01-24 11:24:03

5. twerp

1. I think a way needs to be found for Saenz to get some more AB. But if he's to start any, 1B probably is where he could do least defensive damage.

And 1B seems a bit crowded. At least if he started a bit for Nomar, Nomar still could be the late-inning righty PH and have less wear and (hopefully not) tear.

Lack of power is a Dodger prob. Saenz hit 11 HR in 179 AB last season, 15 in 319 AB year before, when he probably played too much. (Balky back, age, etc.)

Who knows what amount of ABs would maximize him...but getting that bat to the plate more somehow or other would appear to be a good idea...

2007-01-24 11:26:44

6. Jon Weisman

2 - LOL

3 - Off days in April should allow the Dodgers to start the season with an 11-man staff. Also, I think it's safe to say someone will be on the DL when the season starts. I'd be very suprised not to see Loney on the Opening Day roster unless something goes horribly wrong in March.

2007-01-24 11:34:58

7. Bob Timmermann

If Julio Lugo had not been acquired, Steve would have seen his number of Tampa Bay jokes cut down by 1/4!

That would have dropped the number of Tampa Bay jokes he made to 7.8 X 10^28

2007-01-24 11:39:22

8. Sushirabbit

Amen on the healing bit. Although I'm not sure I would expect it to be that different, because I think many players will try to play first unless they know right away that it's something major. Not to excuse Kent or anyone, but guys get injured doing stuff (like playing soccer with friends, carrying deer meat upstairs) all the time and keep mum about thinking it's nothing major.

I'm really hoping that Loney gets a good bit of time at first. Didn't little say as much in that recent interview? That way he gets to rest Gonzalez and Garciaparra a bunch. Not sure what to make of Tatis, guess alot can happen between now and April 2.

2007-01-24 11:54:32

9. Andrew Shimmin

Amended list of things I fear:

1. Clown convention
2. Death
3. Feelings
4. This thing:

http://tinyurl.com/2rzfd5

2007-01-24 12:04:24

10. Benaiah

9 - Yet another reason never to go outside and do anything physical. It's a dangerous world out there people!

2007-01-24 12:06:34

11. Benaiah

10 - Especially if you happen to be more than 6000 feet below the surface of the ocean. From what I understand, things aren't that pleasant there and your lungs are crushed.

2007-01-24 12:09:16

12. Daniel Zappala

6 I think all the vets will play really well and the kids will all start strong. Little will have to juggle the lineup every day to get everyone playing time, and he will do no wrong. Whoever he puts on the field will have a great game, and the Dodgers will never lose all season.

Who will join me in my happy delusion? After all, it is still winter, and spring training hasn't even started.

2007-01-24 12:10:39

13. Jon Weisman

12 - What the heck? I'm in!

2007-01-24 12:20:21

14. dzzrtRatt

I'm kind of "don't worry, be happy" about Loney and Kemp getting playing time this season. Given the roster's makeup and the manager, I have no doubt they will.

The drama is elsewhere. Will Penny stay with the Dodgers? Who will be at the back end of the rotation? Will Billingsley be turned into a reliever? Who's going to play third base? And, given Colletti's comments, is it really true that Pierre will play every day, or could he give way if he's fourth or fifth best outfielder in camp?

What Colletti said about Pierre indicates signing him was a decision made out of fear that the organization's OF prospects might not be ready. Well, what if in Spring Training, it becomes clear that they are ready? Or what if Kemp or Loney starts the season on fire with lots of home runs, while Gonzo is hitting .240 and Pierre a soft .285? I wouldn't bet on Pierre and/or Gonzo sticking in the starting lineup just based on seniority or the size of their contracts.

2007-01-24 12:20:26

15. Jon Weisman

Is ToyCannon around? I notice the Clippers seem to be rallying. About to move into playoff position.

2007-01-24 12:21:26

16. Greg Brock

12 Works for me. I shall plan my wagers accordingly.

2007-01-24 12:23:31

17. Linkmeister

9 When I was on Kwajalein one of the guys I worked with, in response to a "Hey, let's hang out on the beach this afternoon" suggestion, always said "I got a deal with the sharks. I don't go in the ocean; they don't go into the bar."

2007-01-24 12:35:53

18. Humma Kavula

Did Julio Lugo really complain about not getting enough starts as a Dodger?

Wow, he might be becoming my least favorite ballplayer. This requires further investigation.

2007-01-24 13:21:32

19. ToyCannon

15
I'm always around but for the 1st time in 8 years this work thing gets in the way.
The Clips are winning but they are beating teams that are hurting and getting the 8th seed is not high on my list of accomplishments. I think we'd be better off if the Twolves win the 8th spot cause we get their number one pick in the current draft if they make the playoffs plus our own lottery pick if we don't and then we might have some leverage to move into the top 3. Course since Elgin only excels at trades and completely blows in the draft that is probably not something I should be hoping for. Guess I'll have to be happy with an eight seed and a very quick exit. Beats most of our history, just not what I wanted this year.

Frank Robinson is a Clipper fan.

2007-01-24 13:31:44

20. Xeifrank

17. hmmm, Kwajalein. There's really only one purpose that people get sent there.
vr, Xei

2007-01-24 13:38:16

21. Sam DC

Bob's buddy, I presume.

http://www.laobserved.com/archive/2007/01/bravo_1.php

2007-01-24 13:50:34

22. ToyCannon

21
It was a real eye opener for me when a Russian girl who I worked with turned out to be a published author. Her name is Vera Nazarian and even though she's published several novels and short story anthologies she was still laboring in the normal work force the last time we talked. Got me to wondering what day/night jobs other published authors have.

2007-01-24 14:25:31

23. Bob Timmermann

21
Just a coworker, I don't the woman that well.

2007-01-24 14:32:42

24. ToyCannon

BlueBleeder would be proud:)

2007-01-24 14:37:42

25. Andrew Shimmin

Reference doesn't hang with Children's, right?

2007-01-24 16:41:25

26. Linkmeister

20 And what do you think that reason might be, xei? ;)