Buchholz Injury Update

"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."



Even when he is cleared it is said he will take a month to be ready to pitch in the majors. That would be right around playoff time. Francona has said before that the best case scenario is that he might be able to pitch out of the pen. I don't know if I would even want him doing that, so my expectations is that we have seen the last of Clay this year.

Osi Umenyiora To Have Surgery

News just keeps getting better and better for the Giants...



Giants has announced that Umenyiora is undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Friday, and the recovery is expected to take three to four weeks.



Ohhhhh so that's why no one wanted to give up a first round pick. Sounds like he will most likely miss at least week 1 of the regular season. I guess in the grand scheme of things it isn't that big of a deal, but this team just can't seem to catch a break. Steve Smith is gone, they made basically no major pickups, Eli Manning is off his rocker doing angel dust and calling himself Tom Brady, and now your best pass rusher is not only pissed off at the entire franchise, but hurt as well.



Yuck.

Breaking News: Youkilis Lands On DL

The Red Sox have placed Kevin Youkilis on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back and have called Ryan Lavarnway up from Triple-A Pawtucket. This is bad news for the Red Sox with Ortiz already out. The Red Sox have been hurting to score runs, and with Ortiz and Youk out that is not going to get any better. Boston really needs Gonzelaz to find his power stroke once again.



Lavarnway is hitting .307 with a .390 OBP along with 15 homers since his June promotion to the PawSox. Between Double-A and Triple-A this year, he has already hit 29 homers this year. Although he is riding a slump at the moment 4-for-37 (.108) with 11 strikeouts in August.

Good Thing The Patriots Cut Ty Warren

"An MRI has revealed that Denver Broncos defensive tackle Ty Warren has suffered a tear in his triceps muscle. Though such an injury is generally viewed as season-ending, the Broncos are debating their options and have not given up hope that the veteran could play at some point in 2011 (ESPN)."



Wow, that really sucks for the Broncos as Warren really was one of their biggest pickups. I was surprised when the Patriots cut him, but I guess it freed up some money, and the Patriots were concerned about how he would bounce back from being out all last year. Anyways, it was a good thing the Patriots didn't keep him as that would've been a lot of dead money sitting around with him on the IR.

Crosby Still Having Symptoms

"Crosby has still had symptoms as a result of the concussion that prematurely ended his 2010-11 season, but nothing that's forced him to shut down his offseason workouts. He also pointed out that he's yet to have a situation this offseason where he's needed to be cleared to play (CBS Sports)."



That's terrible that he is still having symptoms. We read a similar report about Savard a couple weeks back and it proves just how bad these concussions can be. I hope Crosby is back for the start of the season, because he is really so important tot he NHL, that being said I have to admit I wouldn't be surprised if he misses more time. They have to be really careful because if he gets hit again it could be that much worse next time.

Morneau Is Back: Too Little Too Late

Justin Morneau who has been on the disabled list since June 9, will complete a rehab assignment at Triple-A Rochester today and will be activated in time for a weekend series with the Indians. The problem is this season is likely already over for the Twins. They currently sit 9 1/2 games behind in the AL Central, and that is just too much to overcome this late in the season.



Here's an amazing stat that La Velle Neal of the Star Tribune pointed out... "Morneau and Mauer have played only nine games together since July 7, 2010". I'll give the Twins a buy for this year, it seemed like everyone on their team went down with an injury. Yet, I still have serious questions about this team's future. Liriano sucks and I don't think he will ever be the pitcher we once thought he was. Mauer seems to be hated by his team and he can't stay on the field. You never know what you are going to get from Delmon Young. Morneau never plays. So, there seems to be a lot of questions. Maybe they will stay healthy and be a good team next year, but I could also see them being once again on the bottom of the barrel just as easy.

Curse Of The Lions

The Lions 2nd round pick Mikel LeShoure tore his Achilles tendon in practice and will miss his rookie season. If that wasn't bad enough defensive tackle Nick Fairley had surgery on his injured left foot and will miss most if not all of training camp. It seems like this happens to the Lions every year. LeShoure was supposed to split time this year and I think could've be a really nice fit, but it's Fairley's injury that scares me a lot more.



The Lions need Fairley 100% if they are going to become the improved defense so many scouts think they will be. With him missing training camp that could be a huge deal, especially for a rookie.



The Lions signed Mike Bell and Jerome Harrison to help fill the LeShoure void. Although I think Harrison is the better RB, Bell might be a better fit with as a between the tackles runner.



I hope the Lions are a lot better this year. They have so much talent, and Detroit deserves a good football team, but man they seemed like they are cursed.

Oh, So That's Where Bobby Jenks Has Been

Terry Francona told the media on Monday that Bobby Jenks was hospitalized over the weekend with intestinal turmoil and will undergo a colonoscopy Monday.



Just to start I have heard the term "intestinal turmoil" way too much this year, and it really grosses me out. I basically think he is shitting himself every couple of minutes, which in the case of Jenks is probably spot on.



Jenks has been a complete bust. He has a 2-2 record with a 6.32 ERA in 19 appearances this season, and all he has has done is make me think Ozzie Guillen was right about him when he said "First of all, I can't make any comments about last year because he was never in the clubhouse. He spent more time in his house than he was in the clubhouse".



Hopefully he will stop shitting himself by next season and can get back on track, but I doubt it.

Strasburg On His Way Back

Stephen Strasburg made his return to the mound in game action, throwing 31 pitches and surrendering one run on three hits, including a home run, over 1 2/3 innings for the Nationals' Class A affiliate Hagerstown Suns. This was his first start since having Tommy John surgery. Scouts from the game say he was hitting 97 MPH, and although letting up a HR and 3 hits isn't special in just an inning and 2/3 that stuff really doesn't matter. He said after the game he felt great, which is great news not just for the Nationals but for baseball in general. There was so much buzz when this kid came up and I really hope that he comes through next year and tears it up. Between him and Bryce Harper the Nationals could be a really fun team to watch next year.

Umenyiora Could Need Knee Surgery

Wondering why no one is jumping on a deal for Giants DE Osi Umenyiora...

"The Giants informed reporters tonight Umenyiora has been sitting out because “he says he has a sore knee,” according to the team’s public relations staff. The key part there, of course, is the “he says” in that statement. Though the team says it has no reason to believe he isn’t in pain, it is clearly separating itself from the diagnosis.

A person familiar with Umenyiora’s status said he is dealing with a meniscus cartilage issue that, as The Wall Street Journal reported today, could require surgery. The person requested anonymity because the extent of the injury has not been made public (CBS Sports)."

Could be that he is just being a baby and this is his way of holding out of camp, but he has had a bunch injuries in the past and I think that's why teams are not jumping all over him. He is a hell of a player, but when a team is asking for a first round pick and he has these kind of concerns you're not going to see a lot of teams taking them up on that offer.

Mike Patterson Seems To Be OK

Scary scene yesterday when Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson suffered a seizure at practice. The word is that he could be out of the hospital as early as today, but no one knows if he will be able to play. Actually word is that things could get worse before they get better. Patterson has been diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), which is the tangling of blood vessels near the skull, and this may need surgery. They are waiting to see what other options are out there, so that is why his future is so up in the air.

I hope they go through with the surgery soon and get it over with, because it sounds like at some point he is going to need it anyways. Like I said before there is no word on his recovery time, but things seem to be under control for now.

Buchholz: "So You're Telling Me There's A Chance"

There's a Chance




Dumb & Dumber

— MOVIECLIPS.com

I am not holding out a lot of hope, but I am holding out a little that Buchholz can return for the playoffs. Buchholz has stated that is his goal, and the doctors have said there isn't much chance he that is going to make it any worse.

"Clay being Clay, I know he is absolutely determined to try to get back this year, and it's our job not to let him get back until it's safe for him," Gill said. "They [spinal specialists] all tell us this is a safe problem and he won't injury himself more, so once his strength gets to where it needs to be, and more importantly, once he can throw without having pain, we'll let him come back. If there's enough time left in the season, we'll see. I think there's absolutely a chance [he can return], I just don't know how big that chance is (ESPN)."

I like the Bedard pick up and I am actually a believer that he can be very solid for the Red Sox. What I am not sold on is whether or not he can stay on the field. Bedard hasn't pitched in September in years, so the Red Sox are going to have to be very careful. Plus, Erik Bedard has never pitched in a pennant race, let alone the playoffs. That doesn't mean he can't do it, but it does have to be something Red Sox fans worry about. One thing to remember is not to judge him too much on his first start. It will only be his 2nd since coming off the DL and may need a game or two to shake off the rust (if he lasts that long).

As for Buchholz, the Sox need him back. Unless Bedard turns out amazing the Red Sox are still hurting. Lackey sucks and I don't trust him in the playoffs at all. It's asking a lot to throw the Wake into the mix, and like I said Bedard has never done it before and has major injury problems. So when you go to bed tonight pray that Buchholz finds his way back to this rotation come playoff time. They may not need him to get through the AL, but those NL playoff teams have some really awesome pitching staffs (Philly, San Fran, ect).

Savard Is Still A Mess

We haven't heard about Marc Savard in a while, and from the sound of interview we know why. There seems like there has been very little improvement...

"It's obviously been a long road for me. I'm still suffering with a lot of daily issues, right now it's been a tough go," Savard told reporters. "I'm just trying to get through and not worry about hockey right now, just worry about my health because I have three young kids and they're important to me."

"Mornings have been tough. When I get up in the morning I'm a little foggy sometimes," Savard continued. "But as the day wears on I'm pretty good. Hot sun is tough. I try to stay in the shade and stuff like that and pop the odd Advil and it seems to be okay (TSN)."

I feel so bad for this guy, but he has made a good amount of money and like I have said 1,000 times before just needs to sit back and announce his retirement. There is no reason for him to go out there again and risking another head shot. We have so much evidence now that these concussion can really mess your life up long term, so he should take every precaution to be there for his kids.

The Bruins did put a petition in to get him on the Cup, and I hope it works out. The guy has been through enough. I couldn't imagine waking up every day and still dealing with these problems. Blank spots in memory, dizziness, I mean we get those from hangover, but at least that's only on weekends.

It's crazy to think the NHL season starts again in about 6 weeks.

More Worry For Buchholz

Clay Buchholz will visit another specialist for his injured back and will not throw off a mound until at least after that meeting. The Red Sox are saying visiting the specialist is just precautionary and not a setback. I said in a post earlier in the week that while the Red Sox seemed to be excited he was able to throw a 30 pitch bullpen session, his comments made me nervous. He said he was still feeling pain in his back, but it was manageable. My question is how much pain would he feel when he was pitching at 100%?

Maybe it is precautionary, but this makes me very nervous. The Red Sox could be having him go see a specialist, so they can get a feel if they need to make a serious move before the trade deadline. Bottom line is that when the playoffs roll around the Red Sox are going to need more then just Lester and Beckett if they are going to win it all, and if they have to rely on the Wake, Lackey, or Miller/Aceves for the #3 spot I will be no where near as confident.

Banta-Cain Has Abdominal Surgery (UPDATED)

Patriots outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain underwent surgery for an abdominal tear on Friday, according to a league source. It was an injury he had been dogged by last season, and it flared up during recent offseason workouts. (The usual recovery time for such an injury is approximately 4-6 weeks.)

Banta-Cain is a guy I undervalue every year. Last season he surprised me once again with 50 tackles and 5 sacks. Sure those aren't all that impressive, but consider the leader of the Patriots in sacks had 5.5 this is actually a hit for the Patriots. In a way I am glad, I never liked Banta-Cain, I think he's weak and I hope this pushes the Patriots to add someone, but it won't. They will end up hope Cunningham or someone surprises them and can be their next pass rusher.


***UPDATE***

Or maybe the Patriots won't wait for him to comeback...

"ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tully Banta-Cain has been told by the New England Patriots that he will be released."

Obviously, the Patriots could just resign him once he is healthy again.

Buchholz Progressing

Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz, on the disabled list since mid-June due to a muscle strain in his lower back, threw 30 pitches off a bullpen mound -- his first session off a mound since the end of June in Philadelphia -- and proclaimed the session to represent a significant marker in his progress back to the rotation. Buchholz threw a "short box" session, in which the catcher sits in front of home plate, and suggested that he got through the session with only minor soreness that he was quickly able to manage.

"This is I think the biggest step in the right direction so far in this process," said Buchholz. "There was still a little soreness coming off after I threw. Sat down for about 10 minutes, did a couple stretches and it felt better (WEEI)."

As well as the Red Sox are playing they are going to need Buchholz if they are going to have any chance of winning it all. Beckett and Lester can get them so far, but in the playoffs having a 3rd good pitcher is huge. I have to admit this update does not make me overly optimistic. Why is he still having soreness? I mean he only threw 30 pitches, and he is still feeling soreness in his back. That can't be a good sign. What happens when he pitches in a game and pushes it? Or if he is in a game and it's raining and it tightens? Sorry, but this doesn't sound good and I am starting to get worried. I hope the Sox are right and this is a step in the right direction, but it doesn't sound all that good to me.

Crawford Getting Closer

"The Boston Globe reports that Red Sox OF Carl Crawford could be ready to take the next step in his rehabilitation of his strained left hamstring. Crawford will get examined by team physician Dr. Thomas Gill on Monday, and he could possibly be cleared to begin baserunning drills. “He has to do some more baseball activities, but he has to go full speed on the bases for his own peace of mind,” Francona told reporters (CBS Sports)."

At least he seems like he is getting better. The Sox could certainly use him back. I know he hasn't been very good this season, but he is still better then anything else they have out there, and if a great defensive player. They Sox need to be careful though, if they bring him back to early it could cost him the season because of how much he relies on this legs.

Jeter To Return Monday

Word is Jeter just through a full practice, and was able to run around the bases 100% without any problem. The goal is to have him playing minor league games this weekend and be back with the Yankees as early as Monday. Jeter is just 6 hits short of the 3,000 hit marker and I am sure Yankee fans are just drooling over that, but you have to wonder if the Yankees have been playing ball better without him around. The Yankees have gone 8-2 in their last 10 games. Nunez is good in the field and has much better range, but I still think Jeter is the better player at this time.

Trail Blazers Still Haven't Learned

The Trail Blazers have offered former No. 1 draft pick Greg Oden an $8.8 million qualifying offer to stay in Portland. The offer means the often-injured 7-foot center becomes a restricted free agent. The Blazers can match any other offer made for him. For the Blazers sake I hope they don't match any offer, because Oden is never going to play a full season in the NBA. If you got him cheap, that's one thing, but the NBA has such a hard-on for big men that I bet some over spends. He is only 23 years old, but with microfracture surgery on both needs already you have to think his time on the court is going to be short. He has showed some promise when he has played averaging 9.4 points and 7.3 rebounds, but he looks like he is 50 years old and I just don't trust him at all.

Roethlisberger's Foot Still A Problem?

Ben Roethlisberger recently made comments that he may need foot surgery, and there has been an uproar from fans, because of it. It seem they are backing off those comments today...

"There's nothing new there," Tollner (Roethlisberger's agent) said. "The doctors elected not to do surgery and to let it heal. If it ever got worse, they might have to do something. Ben is kind of surprised that it's getting the attention. He hopes and expects never to have surgery on it. The foot was feeling better after the season, with the extra time this offseason, it's feeling great."

It sounds like Big Ben will be good to go, but the fact that surgery is still being discussed has to be a little concerning. I think they are going to have to wait till they get him in some serious practices and see how that foot reacts. The good news is that it doesn't sound like the foot has got any worse.