The Phillies are reluctant to admit that first baseman Ryan Howard had a "setback" in his rehab from surgery to repair his torn achilles. But they did admit that he is out indefinitely, so we definitely won't see him in spring training games this spring. Here is an excerpt from a Philadelphia Inquirer article written by Phillies beat writer Matt Gelb:
Sheridan could not determine when Howard will resume his rehabilitation program. When asked whether the delay would be days or weeks, Sheridan said, "I truly don't know that answer." He said the staff would work with Myerson to develop a plan.
But now this new wound must heal. Sheridan said the team would be cautious this time to avoid any further problems. The area where the procedure was done is a notoriously difficult place for a wound to mend.
"It's common for the skin behind the Achilles to have trouble healing," Sheridan said. "I wouldn't say it's common for the infection to occur. I do know it's a tough area to heal. It doesn't have a very good blood supply."
I think, as stated here a few times, Howard will be out much longer than anyone anticipates. June would be the earliest in my opinion.
The guys from SiriusXM's Inside Pitch were in Arizona yesterday to visit with the Angels and they interviewed several players and manager Mike Scioscia. Jim Bowden tweeted this last evening on Kendrys Morales:
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JimBowdenESPNxm JIM BOWDEN
Mike Scioscia told me that Plan A is Pujols hitting 3rd in lineup with Morales 4th if healthy
It might be time to move Morales up in your rankings, assuming he is healthy.
More fantasy baseball thoughts after the jump:
So Mike Stanton now prefers to be called Giancarlo Stanton. I don't care what they call him as long as he hits 40 bombs this season. I can't wait to see how the new ballpark plays.
Remember my 30 Bold Predictions article that I published about a month ago? The Rotographs guys are publishing their individual 10 Bold Predictions this week, so head on over and check out what they have to say in their bold predictions.
Diamondbacks shortstop Stephen Drew admitted yesterday that he probably will not be ready for Opening Day, as he is recovering from a broken ankle suffered in a home plate collision last July. He indicated that his doctor told him it would take a year for his ankle to be back to 100%, and he is in month 7 of his recovery. Do the Dbacks now go out and deal for a shortstop? I wonder if this means he won't be back till midseason.
Who's contract is worse? Jayson Werth's or Yadier Molina? The Cardinals decided this offseason that they would prefer to let Albert Pujols walk so they can sign Molina to a 5 year, $75 million contract. I know he is very good defensively, but $75 million good?
It looks like two excellent catchers will become free agents at the end of the 2012 season, as the Dbacks and Miguel Montero have cut off contract talks, and Rangers catcher Mike Napoli announced yesterday that he will test free agency.
For all you prospect hounds out there, John Sickels from Minor League Ball answered prospect questions in his AQA thread yesterday. Click this link to check out his responses to reader questions.