source [rquoter] April 8, 2008, 6:42PM Astros' Paulino requires another month of inactivity By BRIAN McTAGGART Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Astros righthander Felipe Paulino suffered a setback today in his recovery from a pinched nerve in his upper arm when a team doctor determined he needs another month of inactivity. Paulino, who went 2-1 with a 7.11 ERA last year in five appearances in his major-league debut, was in contention for a spot in the Astros' starting rotation during the spring before being shut down a month ago. Paulino visited with team medical director Dr. David Lintner today in Houston. "It had been one month since he had picked up a baseball, and our hope was that the nerve in his upper arm would have healed the point he could begin a throwing program," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "In the studies Dr. Lintner did, it was determined he needs another month of inactivity before he can get out there and hopefully get ready to start pitching again." Paulino, 24, will head back to Kissimmee, Fla., on Wednesday for extended spring training and continue the strict weight conditioning program the club placed him on last month. "He was knee deep in contention for a spot in the rotation during spring training," Wade said. "Now we have to be more patient. Fortunately the guys are pitching well right now and everybody — knock on wood — is healthy, and we'll continue to navigate through without him until we get a strong, healthy pitcher back at whatever point he is able." [/rquoter]
I think a lot of shortstops would have made that double play that Tejada didn't pull off which ended up costing two runs. However, the guy has been on fire at the plate so it more than evens out...
Maybe, but Tejada has been great, and I mean great, in the field prior to that play. He has made at least 3 super plays that have saved the Astros in the first few weeks. I think his supposed horrible decline in the field was exagerrated by the haters in the media and this forum when the trade was made. Tejada's love of the game and attitude has been a refreshing, unexpected benefit of the trade.
He's been good. Not great. Nice arm. Kudos for making the plays--and I prefer having Tejada as our shortstop due to his attitude and his bat--but to be fair, AE makes those plays standing up. Those plays were acrobatic becase Miggy doesn't have the range to get there and make it look easy. Partially true, but he *has* declined some in the field. Everybody does, eventually. Everything I've read concurs with you on this point.
msn, in regard to tejada's refreshing enthusiasm, I noticed you said "everything (you've) read" concurs. does that mean you haven't been fortunate enough to watch the games? I would think that if you have watched the games you would see it for yourself and wouldn't need reassurance from the papers. if you haven't been watching, you've missed a treat thus far. tejada's been GREAT. and I also have to wonder how you know AE would've made those plays standing up, if u haven't watched? EDIT: re-read your post. I think I see what ur saying. you meant everything you've read "here" at cf.net and how its refreshing to the fans?
I mean, with regards to his enthusiasm, what I've read in terms of quotes from players and management in the organization. A real treat, as far as I've read. Unfortunately, I've only been able to catch pieces of one game on the tele. Busy, busy job. I've caught a lot on the radio, however, and I've heard descriptions of good strong throws and off-balance plays, as well as that enthusiasm I heard about from other players. Bottom line, he ain't a gold glover any more, but I'm still more than happy he's on the team.
I was at the game last night and got my Carlos figurine. It was my first game of the year.We lost. But i am excited about our lineup this year. We are much more fun to watch.
If I'm Coop, I'd give serious consideration to dropping Hunter in the order and exchanging him with Blum. Not only is Blum hitting well early on, but we've got to have some guys get on for the boppers at 3-4-5. I'm not worried about Hunter long-term because we know he'll come out of it, but his .179 OBP is horrible for a top 2 spot in the order. I think his free-swinging style is more suited for the bottom of the order with a drive-em mentality vs. get-on-base mentality. Also, would be a good experiment before Matsui comes back.
I think if they do drop Hunter, it will involve Loretta at the #2. He did very well in that spot last season. Hunter would move to 6th with Blum 7th. IMO, that might actually make the lineup stronger.
JD was talking about it last night after the game, and I tend to agree. About Pence, it might not be a good idea to drop him in the order right now and break his confidence some more when he'll drop back to 6th (most likely) when Matsui comes back anyways, which could be as early as Sunday.
Here's an article from Sports Illustrated in 2004 that I somehow remembered all this time but never thought to look up again untili today. I really think Tejada is the perfect teammate for these Astros. A package of casual attitude and veteran leadership that meshes well with people like Lance, Carlos, and Roy. I'm just going to reprint the section about Tejada's personality, which describes exactly the sort of enthusiasm you mention. http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1031354/index.htm
I'm very worried that by the time the offense picks up (which it hasn't yet)... th epitching will be reduced to shambles (not that its all that great right now to begin with). Sampson is teetering right now...
