The ’09 season is still very early and there have already been major injuries to some very important players on a variety of teams. Some will not be on the disabled list for long, while others will lose more time. This is a look that will point out which players and which injuries should receive more attention as the season progresses. This is part 1 of an ongoing series that will continue the baseball season.
Xavier Nady (New York): A sharp pain in his elbow made everyone believe his season with the New York Yankees was over. However, reports emerged the week of April 20 suggesting that Nady might not need surgery after all and could return to the team sometime in May or June. It would be great news for the Yankees to regain a bat like Nady, although they have a fairly qualified backup with Nick Swisher. I’d be wary of Nady, who has had a history of arm-related injuries in the past. Don’t hold your breath that you will be back in a month and perfectly back to normal as that can be a serious illusion. This is a situation to watch closely, but I think the end result will be a long time on the disabled list for Nady.
Ryan Doumit (PIT): Word came in that Doumit will need surgery on his right wrist, a far more serious outcome than originally planned. Doumit has a history of injuries, but the Pirates believed his right wrist was a minor injury until results came in on April 21. Doumit is expected to miss 8-10 weeks when all is said and done. Be careful with Doumit too, a wrist injury can have long-term implications. Doumit may return in time, but his power may change forever. I think your fancy value packs a big punch here and a backup should be sought out right away, not just to fill in while Doumit is away, but in case when Doumit returns he can’t put in the power numbers he once did. had.
Cole Hamels (PHI): Hamels has been shaken in his start to the 2009 season. The team points to a diseased elbow this spring that has prevented Hamels from being his dominant self. When it comes to a pitcher, injury and elbow are two words that strike fear in the hearts of every fantasy owner. Hamels reported that he did not focus on baseball for all of January and got off to a bad start as a result. The owner hopes this is the case, but would be wary of optimism. Hopefully Hamels can burn through rust, but the situation involving his elbow is something to be aware of.