Antonio AWOL
We now know why Frank Robinson didn't bring Antonio Osuna in lately with some big leads to see if he can get his confidence back. He's been injured.
That's not a very good sign for a pitcher who's injury history makes him right at home on this staff.
It's possible that his shoulder was acting up before his torchariffic outings last week, which would probably explain the punishing the Marlins put on him.
Remember, Osuna was late to camp because of some nebulous issues with his father. I'm not sure if that got resolved, so that could be weighing on his mind as well. Maybe he's just going through the regular soreness pitchers battle through during spring training.
Regardless, it's in the team's best interest to have a healthy and effective Osuna. He's a solid relief pitcher and, along with Luis Ayala will form an extremely effective bridge to Chad Cordero in the ninth.
he has been battling inflammation in his right shoulder. He played catch before yesterday's game, making 50 tosses. "I feel better," he said. "I will be able to pitch Tuesday." But after the game, Osuna told pitching coach Randy St. Claire he could pitch today
That's not a very good sign for a pitcher who's injury history makes him right at home on this staff.
It's possible that his shoulder was acting up before his torchariffic outings last week, which would probably explain the punishing the Marlins put on him.
Remember, Osuna was late to camp because of some nebulous issues with his father. I'm not sure if that got resolved, so that could be weighing on his mind as well. Maybe he's just going through the regular soreness pitchers battle through during spring training.
Regardless, it's in the team's best interest to have a healthy and effective Osuna. He's a solid relief pitcher and, along with Luis Ayala will form an extremely effective bridge to Chad Cordero in the ninth.
posted by Chris Needham at
11:16 AM
11 Comments:
Have you seen Hector Carrasco's numbers in New Orleans so far this year? I know it's only 5 games but these early numbers may give the Nats an option if Osuna is truly hurt.
7IP-3H-1R(0ER)-8K-2BB-3 saves
By
Brian, at 4/18/2005 11:55 AM
Carrasco's certainly had an interesting career and some decent seasons.
That's why I laugh when people talk about the Nats' lack of depth. There are a lot of spare parts that could be plugged in without an appreciable drop in quality, Livan excepted!
By
Chris Needham, at 4/18/2005 12:00 PM
Baby Ruckus will have his day... someday.
He's on the 40-man, right?
By
Chris Needham, at 4/18/2005 12:41 PM
But Basil, Rueckel isn't a reclamation project. FRob and Bodes get chubbies over a reclamation project
By
Brian, at 4/18/2005 12:55 PM
Paging Ruben Mateo. Report to the waiver wire immediately. Your claim is pending.
By
Chris Needham, at 4/18/2005 1:06 PM
The great thing about Rivera is that he comes with a few extra gloves!
(That'd be more effecitve if I could program a rimshot sound effect)
By
Chris Needham, at 4/18/2005 1:20 PM
off topic:
Did you see Frank's quote in the Times today?
"I had visions in spring training, and I think it will come about, is maybe rotate Wilkerson sometimes to first base, give Johnson the day off and put Sledge in the lineup," Robinson said. "I would hope they give me a day's notice so I can take some grounders," Wilkerson said.
Not sure I'm a big fan of starting that merry-go-round again. Leave Wilkerson in the OF.
What do you guys think?
By
Brian, at 4/18/2005 1:20 PM
Yeah, I did see that. I just tried to block it from my mind!
I don't like the idea because NJ needs to be starting every day.
It'd be one thing if there was some sort of platoon system out there, but I trust NJ more with lefties on the mound than I do Wilkerson.
Neither has power against lefties, but NJ doesn't lose his on-base ability.
It would be nice to get Sledge some more ABs, but not at the expense of the rest of the team.
And, from what I've seen of JJ Davis, I wouldn't be heartbroken to see him released. His most valuable contribution so far has been being pinch-hit for.
By
Chris Needham, at 4/18/2005 1:23 PM
How soon until Escobar is back? I'm assuming that'll be Davis ticket to the 'waiver clearing'.
By
Brian, at 4/18/2005 1:27 PM
No arguments from me on the occasional rest for NJ, but how about we let Sledge play 1B? Don't dork around with Wilkerson, let him play the OF full-time.
By
Brian, at 4/18/2005 1:42 PM
RE: Escobar
He had screws removed from his foot. The inital estimate was 4-6 weeks, but they've revised that down to 3-5.
Throw in 2 weeks (or more) of rehab time and we don't have to worry about him til June. (And by then injuries will have probably created a hole he can fill)
RE: NJ being spelled at first. Yeah, Wilkerson would be a good fit in that case. But NJ should be out there 150 games. First base doesn't put the strain on you that the other positions do.
That being said, does Frank like to ride his guys or what? Other than the Sledge/Davis/Church platoon, all the starters have started every game (Other than NJ prior to the Cordero injury.)
I'm starting to worry about Brian Schneider! He's only missed what? One game?
By
Chris Needham, at 4/18/2005 2:07 PM
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