The Official 2011 Red Sox Injury Thread.

[Palodios]

They did a study about this and found that approximately 50% of the participants did worse in HR production in the 2nd half' date=' and approximately 50% did better. In other words, it's very unlikely that the HR Derby is responsible for any impact on actual performance. There's smoke, but there isn't a fire.[/quote']

 

Not sure what study you are referring to, but I read a column recently that did the math, and found that on average, home run derby participants since 2001 lose .025 off their slugging percentages in the second half.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ys-accuscore_home_run_derby_jinx_071011

[SoxFanForsyth]

KANSAS CITY -- After going 0-for-4 in the Red Sox' 4-3 win over the Royals, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez dismissed any notion that his recent struggles at the plate were being caused by the stiff neck referenced by Sox manager Terry Francona prior to Wednesday's game at Fenway Park.

 

"The neck has been fine," Gonzalez said. "It's something that flared up right before Chicago [July 30], when we were playing [Kansas City] in the day game [July 28]. It flared up the next day and it has been getting better ever since. It created a couple of mechanical things I've been working through."

 

After his three groundouts and one strikeout, Gonzalez has now gone four straight games without a hit. Prior to current stretch, the first baseman had only gone hitless in back-to-back games three times all season.

 

"I'm not hitting because my swing isn't good right now, not because of my neck," he explained.

 

Gonzalez has also hit just one home run since July 8. It's a power outage that has come under much scrutiny, leading Francona to offer a possible explanation.

 

"I think he still feels it, but I think every player in the league right now probably isn't perfect, that is just the way it is," Francona said. "Especially guys that play every inning of every game."

 

Added Francona: "It may have cut into his power a little bit. You play and you continue to play, if there is ever a chance and we could get him a day off we'd probably do it, but it is not the time to do it right now."

 

Gonzalez surmised the problems he is having at the plate are now a product of bad habits formed from fighting through his injury, and not the injury itself.

 

"You always go through injuries. Injuries are usually the reason you create bad habits, and then after that once you get better you try to battle out of it, you get to a point where you feel good and you start going on a good streak," he said. "That's how the game goes. It's a long season, so it's not hard not to go through it. It's a long season. The only thing that matters is that I'm feeling good when the playoffs come around."

 

I think the biggest thing is some bad habits that were created during the spell where he was battling with his neck. Now, you can argue that an extra day or two of rest that he would have gotten had he not participated in the HRD could have helped avoid the neck problem, but I'm not convinced that the HRD affects a players swing.

 

I would say that the decrease in SLG is due, in large part, to wearing down in the 2nd half. They don't call August the Dog Days for nothing. Players start to get worn down, get into bad habits, and have a hard time correcting them, and I think that's all this is.

[example1]

I think it's a non-issue. Gonzalez is fine.

[SoxFanForsyth]

Good news on the Buchholz front:

 

KANSAS CITY -- Clay Buchholz told WEEI.com prior to the Red Sox' 6-1 win over the Royals Sunday that he may be on the verge of throwing for the first time since performing a July 25 bullpen session.

 

Buchholz explained that he is schedule to be re-evaluated when the Red Sox return home, Friday, and if everything goes as planned he will be cleared to do some light tossing.

 

"When we get back, if things feel a lot better, (throwing can begin)," Buchholz said. "It will be right around a month of doing the back program. I'm running around in the outfield during BP and stuff, and I wasn't able to do that a month ago. It's definitely getting better, so we're going to re-evaluate and if everything looks good I might be able to throw some light, light catch."

 

Buchholz explained that he is at Level 4 in most of the elements of the five-level rehab program implemented by the Red Sox medical staff. Once he gets to Level 5, Buchholz will then be cleared to throw off a pitching mound.

 

"I'm excited to be re-evaluated when I get home and maybe start throwing," he said.

 

Buchholz said he has noticed significant improvement since he began the back program.

 

"I've been throwing balls in and out to the screen (during batting practice) and I haven't felt any different the next day, so that's a good sign," he said. "It's definitely helping, definitely working. But I'm sort of getting to that point here if I don't start throwing pretty soon then I won't have enough time to throw. That's what I'm telling them, if it doesn't feel right it wasn't meant to be. But just from the way I feel running around there's a pretty good shot if we can get a lot of work rapidly, start throwing, get off a mound without any trouble … I'll be willing to do whatever they want me to do."

 

Asked if he thought there might be a chance he could start at some point this season, Buchholz sounded out if any initial appearances would have to be in a relief role.

 

"I don't know if I have enough time because obviously I would have to face hitters at some point," he noted. "If something happens where we get on a roll through September and into October, you never know.

 

"If I was able to start throwing when I got back home I could throw for a couple of weeks and then stretch it ouch for long-toss and go from there. It's going to be about getting back in shape because I'm almost going to be at Floor Zero."

 

Buchholz did say that he does have the feeling that he will be pitching again in some capacity this season.

 

"I feel that way," he said. "It would be stupid for me to sit here and say, 'I don't think so,' and still try to be working toward that. I feel like I'll be able to. I feel like I've pitched through pain a lot and if it's not the same pain as that one start in Tampa then I'll definitely be able to throw. That's what I'm look at right now."

[ORS]

Not sure what study you are referring to, but I read a column recently that did the math, and found that on average, home run derby participants since 2001 lose .025 off their slugging percentages in the second half.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ys-accuscore_home_run_derby_jinx_071011

 

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/fantasy/article/do-hitters-decline-after-the-home-run-derby/

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-home-run-derby-and-its-carry-over-effect

[Palodios]

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/fantasy/article/do-hitters-decline-after-the-home-run-derby/

 

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-home-run-derby-and-its-carry-over-effect

 

So combining the results of the three studies, apparently participants have lower slg, but not lower HRs. Interesting.

[ORS]

So combining the results of the three studies' date=' apparently participants have lower slg, but not lower HRs. Interesting.[/quote']

Actually, they explain the SLG, too. For the most part, people in the HR derby are having a very good 1st half, better than they normally do (over a full season). The lower SLG reflects what should have been expected, a normalization of their stats back to their actual talent.

[a700hitter]

I read that Jenks got moved to the 60 day DL to make room for Connor Jackson. I guess this pig is going to be a complete bust for the Sox this season. I hope to God that he is not under consideration as the 8th inning guy next season and they let Papelbon walk. They should keep the Papelbon/Bard tandem as long as possible. It's a deadly combo. Without them, Tito would have to manage the last 2 innings. We don't want to see that.

[iortiz]

Kevin Youkilis gets MRI on ailing hip

 

Another warning... as if we do not have enough problems already...dammit!

 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Boston Red Sox third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who has had hip problems off and on all season, returned to Boston and underwent an MRI on Friday, manager Terry Francona said.

 

Youkilis just returned Sept. 1 from a 15-day stint on the DL with a lower back strain. He has just five hits in 27 at-bats since his return, and was noticeably limping the past couple of nights, Francona said. The left hip has never fully healed since Youkilis first injured it with a slide during a game in Baltimore back in late April, but he has tried to play through the discomfort all season.

 

More On The Red Sox

 

Youkilis got off to a slow start this season, batting just .218 in April, but had lifted his average to as high as .288 on July 16, with his on-base percentage (.410) and slugging percentage (.513) similar to his career norms (.394, .497). But in 32 games since then, Youkilis is batting just .192/.302/.358, and there is little question that his physical ailments have contributed to his slide.

 

"We were going to give him the day off, but he was really limping the last couple of days and his hip was bothering him, so we decided to get him back to Boston," Francona said. "Hopefully, we'll get some answers."

 

Pitcher Erik Erik Bedard, whose start here Friday was skipped because of lingering soreness in his left knee, also went to Boston from Toronto and was diagnosed with a mild lat strain, Francona said, the manager asserting that Bedard strained the muscle while compensating for his knee in his last start. Bedard was scheduled to rejoin the team later Friday night.

[a700hitter]

 

Pitcher Erik Erik Bedard, whose start here Friday was skipped because of lingering soreness in his left knee, also went to Boston from Toronto and was diagnosed with a mild lat strain, Francona said, the manager asserting that Bedard strained the muscle while compensating for his knee in his last start. Bedard was scheduled to rejoin the team later Friday night.

 

A lat strain? Lol!! He's done for the year.

[iortiz]

A lat strain? Lol!! He's done for the year.

 

Seems like this team is falling to pieces.

[jacksonianmarch]

A lat strain for a pitcher can range from about 2 weeks if mild (a la Lester) to 2 months if severe. Bedard doesnt heal quickly, you'll be lucky if he's back by the playoffs

[jacksonianmarch]

Did anyone see Lackey in the dugout after the first inning? He was grabbing his shoulder, stretching it out and looked like he was in some pain. Maybe old Lack is gutting through an injury he isnt telling anyone about?

[a700hitter]

Did anyone see Lackey in the dugout after the first inning? He was grabbing his shoulder' date=' stretching it out and looked like he was in some pain. Maybe old Lack is gutting through an injury he isnt telling anyone about?[/quote']And after the last inning I am grabbing my head which is about to explode. f*** Lackey.

[a700hitter]

The news just keeps getting better and better.

 

Youkilis may have additional injury; Lackey out with calf contusion

Print | Comments () Posted by Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff September 9, 2011 08:55 PM

 

Kevin Youkilis went back to Boston to have his hip examined, but he may also be dealing with another injury to his groin and/or sports hernia type injury according to a team source. The Sox may have more details after the game.

 

The team also indicated that starter John Lackey, who allowed five runs in three innings, suffered a left calf contusion after being hit with a line drive by John Jaso to end the third.

[jacksonianmarch]

Youk has bursitis and had an injection. He shouldnt be out long if that is all it is

[jacksonianmarch]

Beckett threw from flat ground today and was able to use the exercise bike. He isnt ready to rejoin the rotation, but that is good news for him. I still say he's probably going to make one start prior to the playoffs

[a700hitter]

Francona said Kevin Youkilis has bursitis in his left hip and was injected. He could rejoin the team this weekend. Earlier tonight, the Globe reported that Youkilis also has a sports hernia, an injury that is likely to require surgery after the season.

 

Francona did not deny that report when asked about it. "I can't help if somebody reports that," he said. "I'm out there like trying like hell to win a game. You know what I'm saying? I have no way to write something in a story. I told you what I was told."

[a700hitter]

Finally, some good news:

 

Lackey questionable for next start

Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff September 9, 2011 10:35 PM

 

By Peter Abraham, Globe Staff

 

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — John Lackey is questionable for his start on Wednesday after being hit on the left calf by a batted ball tonight.

 

Lackey was examined by one of the Rays team doctors. The ball left a bruise and caused swelling.

 

"It’s sore, he got hit hard. … Hopefully it’ll subside enough where he can make his next start. We’ll certainly keep an eye on it," Terry Francona said.

 

Said Lackey: "I don’t think it will affect [his next start. I told them I could keep going back out there. But obviously I wasn’t pitching very well so that wouldn’t have helped us much anyway."

 

Lackey was walking cautiously after the game.

[jacksonianmarch]

A sports hernia limits the strength you can generate from your core due to pain. For a hitter, it's typically something you can play through but will affect your play. He's hitting under .200 over his last 32 games (per rotoworld) so he's probably had it for some time. He may not be an asset without it being fixed

[a700hitter]

A sports hernia limits the strength you can generate from your core due to pain. For a hitter' date=' it's typically something you can play through but will affect your play. He's hitting under .200 over his last 32 games (per rotoworld) so he's probably had it for some time. He may not be an asset without it being fixed[/quote']In 2010, Jose Bautista played with a Sports Hernia from may and he hit 54 HRs.

[iortiz]

This thread is becoming popular lately, huh!

[iortiz]

Finally' date=' some good news:[/quote']

 

D-k, Buch, Beckett, Bedard and now Lackey (although I won't miss him)... Terry, put Lester among cottons, please!

[a700hitter]

• No progress for J.D. Drew. He can't swing a bat or play catch.

[BornToRun]

 

I wonder if the team doctors have to put the tampon in for him or if he can do it himself.

[a700hitter]

I wonder if the team doctors have to put the tampon in for him or if he can do it himself.

He can't even play catch. WTF!!!

[Palodios]

He has a hurt finger and he can't throw or play catch? Last time I checked, you throw with one hand and catch with the other. Jacko, I have a medical question-- Is it possible for "the owwies" to move from one hand to the other?

[redsoxbeatz]

lmao @ title of thread.

 

WIN WIN WIN!!!

[Spudboy]

I wonder if the team doctors have to put the tampon in for him or if he can do it himself.

 

:lol::lol:

[Spudboy]

lmao @ title of thread.

 

WIN WIN WIN!!!

 

Who the f*** are you and what is wrong with the tittle of this thread? 2010 saw this Sox team riddled with injuries. Many of which would lead most intelligent and informed observers to have, at the very least, some questions of the team's health coming into the season. So this thread, and it's name are valid. So crawl back into you Mom's basement and beat-off to posters of Jose Offerman.