I'm Tired of Damon's Chronic Injuries Too!

[The Q Bomb]

With all the talk of injuries (not much else to talk about) - one person off the radar is Johnny Damon. Look, as much as I was personally horrified by his acquisition, I must admit I like the personality he has brought to the Yankee team and his hustle, yada, yada, yada... but he's another one who is constantly injured. Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year. This year he was injured in spring training and recuperated - then he gets injured, on Opening Day, I believe. I'm tired of hearing about how poor, heroic, Johnny Damon is playing injured or how he "will try" to play tomorrow (or the next day or the next day) if he is feeling just a little better. What good is a player with his poor throwing arm, if he can't hit and run?

Posada, Jeter, A-Rod, and Melky, seem to be the only players who weren't injured, or sick for more than a day last year. Jeez, what is it with this team?!

[apalradio]

With all the talk of injuries (not much else to talk about) - one person off the radar is Johnny Damon. Look, as much as I was personally horrified by his acquisition, I must admit I like the personality he has brought to the Yankee team and his hustle, yada, yada, yada... but he's another one who is constantly injured. Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year. This year he was injured in spring training and recuperated - then he gets injured, on Opening Day, I believe. I'm tired of hearing about how poor, heroic, Johnny Damon is playing injured or how he "will try" to play tomorrow (or the next day or the next day) if he is feeling just a little better. What good is a player with his poor throwing arm, if he can't hit and run?

Posada, Jeter, A-Rod, and Melky, seem to be the only players who weren't injured, or sick for more than a day last year. Jeez, what is it with this team?!

Must have something to do with our new strength and conditioning coach. Now THERE was a good investment, eh?

[JeffWeaverFan]

The Yankees knew this coming in.

[bigwampum]

Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year.

I'm sorry, but I must dissent here.

Say what you want about his performance this year, but he was simply great last year.

[RhodyYanksFan]

Well he didn't start tonight because he's like 1-15 all time vs. Fossum.

Complain all you want.

[NYYFAN5388]

He'll get healthy

[TheYankee]

24 HR's from your leadoff batter is anything but subpar.

[PirateChief]

Um, he was fantastic last year.

[YanksForLife]

He will be fine this year, but when he is banged up, there is no better time to rest him than a game on carpet against a pitcher he struggles against.

[Jerkface]

Damon plays full tilt pretty much all the time. Thus he is going to have a bunch of nagging injuries from huffing and puffing out there in center field and running hard.

He played out of his mind last season with a broken foot. Right now he does have to get his back healthy though, because its sapping his power.

[Octoberbaby]

Damon will be OK.

[Bob Saccomano]

It's ridiculous that Damon be tagged like this. He gets nagging injuries, but he doesn't let them sideline him too long. He plays through it whenever he can, and sometimes when it's probably not advisable to do so. He was a warrior last year when the corners fell. Even in his PHing appearances this season, he was fouling off pitches and working the count. Direct your wrath at Carl Pavano, or at least someone who deserves it, not a guy who gives it his all every time he goes out there.

[Haywood2K6]

The problem I have with Damon is that hes constantly airing out all his injuries to the media. If Jeter had the same injuries that Damon does, I guarantee you that you wouldn't hear a peep about it, and, oh yeah, Jeter would be playing, not just pinch hitting late in the game.

[LittleFriendNelson]

I think it is worthwhile to note that Damon has NEVER been on the disabled list in 13 years in the majors.

[Yanks4eva1]

Must have something to do with our new strength and conditioning coach. Now THERE was a good investment, eh?

I think you have a point. When I read that Marty Miller, the new conditioning coach, worked at a country club in Palm Springs, FLA for a decade, I laughed. You CANNOT be serious. Basically he's been training and working with the wealthy and seniors for 10 years. (No offense, but let's be real).

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ba...n_wreck-3.html

Most of the Yankees are in their 30s or headed that way. It's imperative that they have a comprehensive stretching routine as part of their workout. The game of baseball is about using your muscles quickly - running off the mound to throw the ball to first - fast sprint to the gap in left center, running to first to beat out at throw - wind up- quick release - moving to your left to get the ball before it goes to the outfield - you get the point. Those quick twitch muscles after age 30 need more care to remain flexible. Don't get me wrong. Strength training is important, but cardio, strength training and flexibility workouts go hand in hand. Stretching is just as important as hitting the weight machines.

As for Johnny Damon, he keeps it real. He's a gamer, so get off his back.

Dee

[ring403]

There are plenty of things to worry about with this team. Johnny Damon isn't one of them. He was outstanding last season, and I fully expect more of the same in 2007.

[destro]

Damon plays hard
Damon plays hurt
Damon plays

But sometimes you need a rest.

Calm down, get off the ledge, have a coke and a smile...

[35Knucklecurve]

I think you have a point. When I read that Marty Miller, the new conditioning coach, worked at a country club in Palm Springs, FLA for a decade, I laughed. You CANNOT be serious. Basically he's been training and working with the wealthy and seniors for 10 years. (No offense, but let's be real).

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/ba...n_wreck-3.html

Most of the Yankees are in their 30s or headed that way. It's imperative that they have a comprehensive stretching routine as part of their workout. The game of baseball is about using your muscles quickly - running off the mound to throw the ball to first - fast sprint to the gap in left center, running to first to beat out at throw - wind up- quick release - moving to your left to get the ball before it goes to the outfield - you get the point. Those quick twitch muscles after age 30 need more care to remain flexible. Don't get me wrong. Strength training is important, but cardio, strength training and flexibility workouts go hand in hand. Stretching is just as important as hitting the weight machines.

As for Johnny Damon, he keeps it real. He's a gamer, so get off his back.

Dee

I cannot believe that the Yankees couldn't find a more qualified person than Miller for this job. Is this guy related to somebody in the organization?

I get the impression that Damon doesn't sit out unless there is absolutely no way he can contribute. I think anybody who plays with a broken bone in his foot deserves the benefit of the doubt......as opposed to somebody who wil probably not pitch until after the All-Star break (if then) because of a sore forearm.

[Jim F.]

What good is a player ... if he can't hit and run?

Exactly. That's exactly why it's good that he's sitting out if he's not feeling his best. Give Melky a chance to play anyway.

Jeter playing through an injury is good for the team? How's that? It's good for the team to have a defensive liability at SS putting himself at risk of a more serious injury?

The logic here isn't, well, here...

-jim

[JohnnyDamonfan]

Yeah, Damon may get hurt sometimes. And so what if he's pich hitting sometimes because of a injury? He's still playing. Damon is a great guy on the Yankees. He can hit, he has speed and he's great at fielding. Out of all the guys to talk about with injuries why do you choose Damon? Just do whatever everyone else does and blame Pavano you wanna talk about injuries. Look up injury in the Dictionary and they'll be a picture of Carl Pavano beside it. Not only is Damon a great guy on the field. I hear he's a great guy to have around the clubhouse too. Damon really contributes to the team if he can't play you know it's something really serious. And if it's something serious by all means take a few days off. There's no need to kill yourself or further the injury out there. My respect for Damon went through the roof when he played for us with a broken bone in his foot.

[TEPLimey]

With all the talk of injuries (not much else to talk about) - one person off the radar is Johnny Damon. Look, as much as I was personally horrified by his acquisition, I must admit I like the personality he has brought to the Yankee team and his hustle, yada, yada, yada... but he's another one who is constantly injured. Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year. This year he was injured in spring training and recuperated - then he gets injured, on Opening Day, I believe. I'm tired of hearing about how poor, heroic, Johnny Damon is playing injured or how he "will try" to play tomorrow (or the next day or the next day) if he is feeling just a little better. What good is a player with his poor throwing arm, if he can't hit and run?

Posada, Jeter, A-Rod, and Melky, seem to be the only players who weren't injured, or sick for more than a day last year. Jeez, what is it with this team?!

And imagine you didn't root for the best team in baseball.

If you were a Royals or Brewers fan you would have killed yourself a long time ago.

Take a deep breath and remind yourself that its April.

[4bronxbombers]

I disagree.....he had a great year last year. I wouldn't say he has chronic injuries. I think he's a great addition to our team.

[TacoBomber]

Basically he's been training and working with the wealthy and seniors for 10 years.

Umm, you are familiar with the Yankees roster, correct?

A hobbled Damon is still better than Coco Crisp, or Bernie for that matter.

[yankeebot]

Sometimes it helps to scroll through the injured list at Rotoworld and realize that the Yankees are far from the only team with injury problems. Keeps things in perspective.

[TEPLimey]

Sometimes it helps to scroll through the injured list at Rotoworld and realize that the Yankees are far from the only team with injury problems. Keeps things in perspective.

Didn't the A's just have to put Harden on the DL for the same problems that ended his season last year, along with Milton Bradley?

Goosefraba, guys.

[whalers]

Damon's nagging injuries wouldn't be that big of deal if KT were playing instead of Melky.

[yankeebot]

Didn't the A's just have to put Harden on the DL for the same problems that ended his season last year, along with Milton Bradley?

Goosefraba, guys.

Yep. Where they join Loiaza and Dan Johnson plus they moved Kotsay to the 60 day.

And goosfraba is right.

[RIyankee]

Read above my avatar.

[Mr. Mxylsplk]

Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year.

What exactly do you consider "par" for him?

[BRNXBMRS]

A lot of players should play through the pain like Damon (Pavano), he is a trooper.

[DontHateOnNumber2]

With all the talk of injuries (not much else to talk about) - one person off the radar is Johnny Damon. Look, as much as I was personally horrified by his acquisition, I must admit I like the personality he has brought to the Yankee team and his hustle, yada, yada, yada... but he's another one who is constantly injured. Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year.

Last year Damon was freaking awesome. Wasn't it also the best offensive season of his career?

[The Q Bomb]

It's ridiculous that Damon be tagged like this. He gets nagging injuries, but he doesn't let them sideline him too long. He plays through it whenever he can, and sometimes when it's probably not advisable to do so. He was a warrior last year when the corners fell. Even in his PHing appearances this season, he was fouling off pitches and working the count. Direct your wrath at Carl Pavano, or at least someone who deserves it, not a guy who gives it his all every time he goes out there.

I am not questioning Damon's heart or effort, both of which, I agree are top of the line. What I am questioning (and, obviously overreacting to because I'm so upset over the state of this club) is his constant nagging injuries. You can have all the heart you want, but if you are physically subpar - your play will be subpar. Damon's been here for a season and a month and seems to have been injured all that time - even though he did "play through" the injuries.

[TheYankee]

I am not questioning Damon's heart or effort, both of which, I agree are top of the line. What I am questioning (and, obviously overreacting to because I'm so upset over the state of this club) is his constant nagging injuries. You can have all the heart you want, but if you are physically subpar - your play will be subpar. Damon's been here for a season and a month and seems to have been injured all that time - even though he did "play through" the injuries.

I'll take Damon's "physically subpar" 2006 offensive numbers every season if need be. You said it yourself... he plays through injuries knowing full well what he knows to this team. I'm inclined to give him a break.

[Beast]

24 HR's from your leadoff batter is anything but subpar.

Yeah but you want OBP from your leadoff guy and JD was at 359 in 2006 down from a peak of 380 in 2004. He's not a great Yankee Stadium hitter, looking at his hit charts from 2004 Fenway vs 2006 Yankee Stadium his singles trend toward LC, and in 2004 he had a number of wall ball doubles, versus no LF doubles in 2006. The HR spike is predictable with the short RF porch. Jeter with his career OBP of 388 would make a better leadoff hitter with JD in the 2 hole at this point.

[FingersCrossed]

Damon's been here for a season and a month and seems to have been injured all that time - even though he did "play through" the injuries.

Exactly. And with great numbers to show for it.
Isn't that enough to acquit him of all your frustrations?

[Yankeesfan811]

Yeah but you want OBP from your leadoff guy and JD was at 359 in 2006 down from a peak of 380 in 2004. He's not a great Yankee Stadium hitter, looking at his hit charts from 2004 Fenway vs 2006 Yankee Stadium his singles trend toward LC, and in 2004 he had a number of wall ball doubles, versus no LF doubles in 2006. The HR spike is predictable with the short RF porch. Jeter with his career OBP of 388 would make a better leadoff hitter with JD in the 2 hole at this point.

yeah your right, terrible yankee stadium hitter, 24 homeruns his career high last year......good call



As for the rest of the people saying the "Damon is always injured," yes he gets banged up a lot, but that's the kinds of player he is. At least he gets back out on the field and he plays through it. He is just resting right now because it is early in the season and his back is hurting.

[Beast]

yeah your right, terrible yankee stadium hitter, 24 homeruns his career high last year......good call



As for the rest of the people saying the "Damon is always injured," yes he gets banged up a lot, but that's the kinds of player he is. At least he gets back out on the field and he plays through it. He is just resting right now because it is early in the season and his back is hurting.

Did you even read the post?

I said "not a great YS hitter" That's far from terrible yes he hit 24 bombs, but as the lead off guy his job was to get on base in front of arod and giambi et al, all I suggested was his skill set in YS may translate into a better #2 hitter.

[abiggane]

Basically he's been training and working with the wealthy and seniors for 10 years. (No offense, but let's be real).

Isn't the whole team (outside of Melky and Cano) made up of wealthy seniors? He should be a perfect fit.

[Game4Tino]

I think the focus of our early season anger strikes should be someone other than Johnny Damon. He's been a rock since Day 1 and he was GREAT last season. Guys like Damon are going to come up with some nagging injuries, but you can't hold it against him. If he didn't play as hard as he did and was never injured, someone would be complaining about that.

[Jete&Tino42]

I'll take another "subpar" season like last years anytime!

[JohnnyDamonfan]

Isn't the whole team (outside of Melky and Cano) made up of wealthy seniors? He should be a perfect fit.

Well add Wang with Melky and Cano. And I think you'd be right. I think Wang is only 24 or 25.

[GraniteYankee]

I think it is worthwhile to note that Damon has NEVER been on the disabled list in 13 years in the majors.

Ah yes, perspective. Is Damon's absence the reason we are losing these games? Think not. The pitching is beyond horrific.

[The Q Bomb]

Exactly. And with great numbers to show for it.
Isn't that enough to acquit him of all your frustrations?

Maybe I'll just go have a Carvel thick shake float and cool off. At this point I'm ready to blame the grounds keepers for this horrific stretch of losses - so maybe I'm not being fair. I still say though, I'm tired of hearing, "Damon is trying to play despite a... (fill in the blank). I guess if I compared him to Pavano , thouhgh Johnny would be superman!

[FingersCrossed]

I KNEW that grounds keeper was up to no good!
And yup. Who are we calling injured when Rajah of Rehab (per Pete Abe) himself is haunting the MRI unit?

[JetesElegantGait]

With all the talk of injuries (not much else to talk about) - one person off the radar is Johnny Damon. Look, as much as I was personally horrified by his acquisition, I must admit I like the personality he has brought to the Yankee team and his hustle, yada, yada, yada... but he's another one who is constantly injured. Last year he was subpar because he was injured most of the year. This year he was injured in spring training and recuperated - then he gets injured, on Opening Day, I believe. I'm tired of hearing about how poor, heroic, Johnny Damon is playing injured or how he "will try" to play tomorrow (or the next day or the next day) if he is feeling just a little better. What good is a player with his poor throwing arm, if he can't hit and run?

Posada, Jeter, A-Rod, and Melky, seem to be the only players who weren't injured, or sick for more than a day last year. Jeez, what is it with this team?!

It is the risk of having a team of 30+ year old vets. Giambi has been injured a lot probably because of his prior artifical enhancements, Damon is paying for years of running into walls (and second basemen), Matsui is getting up in years and had a freak injury last year. The muscle injuries are troubling, groin pulls etc are possibly a result of the stretching or strengh training, but they are also more common with players over 30

[Bob Saccomano]

I am not questioning Damon's heart or effort, both of which, I agree are top of the line. What I am questioning (and, obviously overreacting to because I'm so upset over the state of this club) is his constant nagging injuries. You can have all the heart you want, but if you are physically subpar - your play will be subpar. Damon's been here for a season and a month and seems to have been injured all that time - even though he did "play through" the injuries.

The 'constant, nagging injuries' aren't really his fault. That's what you get when you sign a CFer in his 30s. He was the best option available for CF, and the Yankees may well regret it in a year or two when he can't be as effective out there. Are you upset at Matsui for being gone so long last year? Sheff? Wang this year? Give the guys a break. It's not like he did something stupid to go injure himself. As an earlier poster said, I wish he didn't announce it to the throngs of reporters all the time, but oh well.

[Beast]

It is the risk of having a team of 30+ year old vets. Giambi has been injured a lot probably because of his prior artifical enhancements

Giambi had implants?
no wonder he and JD are friends

[Shaun4013]

Johnny is a gamer. I think he would play through every single injury if Joe would let him.

[DaYanks24]

I'll gladly take 140 games of Johhny Damon over 162 games of Coco Crisp anytime.

[Yanks4eva1]

Umm, you are familiar with the Yankees roster, correct?

A hobbled Damon is still better than Coco Crisp, or Bernie for that matter.

My dear, please re-read my post before critiquing. I'm talking about Marty Miller, the trainer when I wrote about training the wealthy and elderly in FLA.

Dee