Comments on: Jason Heyward’s thumb is OK. Sorta.

By: cintiphil

cintiphil — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:58:56 +0000

We hate to see guys with all the raw talent nagged by these injuries. How great can these guys be if they stay healthy? Look at Albert’s problems. How good can he get with a strong back and elbow, wrist or whatever ails him? Same goes for Heyward.

By: spudchukar

spudchukar — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:46:36 +0000

The difficulty with hand, wrist, or finger injuries, is the compensation. Sometimes this is done subconsciously. Often times players do not even recognize it themselves. Hitting a baseball is so difficult that even the slightest interference with normal athletic movements can have monumental impacts. That does not mean they cannot be overcome, but adjustments usually create a trade-offs, which can become habit forming, big-time negatives. Younger players are most susceptible since they are inexperienced adapters. Heyward’s demeanor and intelligence are characteristics that lend themselves to prudent corrections. His susceptibility to inside heat however is problematic, because thumbs take a good deal of the impact there. Knowing this teams now have two reasons for pitching him there. Keith Law has criticized Heyward for his “bar-armed” swing, which usually means the inside pitch will give them trouble. However, he stands pretty far away from the plate, and is comfortable with hitting the ball to the alleys, both huge pluses for his style. He has shown the ability to turn on inside pitches, when he is looking for them, and his patience allows him to get favorable counts where he can do that. My guess is he will be fine. Maybe not the 40+ home run guy, but with all his other attributes, his OBP and OPS should be among the league leaders. Lets all hope his history of injuries becomes just that, history.

By: BC

BC — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 21:19:36 +0000

Dude needs to take Aleve. That stuff terminates everything.

By: mercyflush

mercyflush — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:58:16 +0000

it’s more than just last year though. He’s had a history of little injuries. read any scouting report on him before last season, the only negative anyone ever says about him is in reference to injuries: e.g., “a little bit of an injury history” (mlb.com), or “he’s ranked #1, even with his injury history” (Kieth Law), etc.

I agree with Craig that he seems to be one of those guys that may not have serious injuries, but won’t ever met it through a season healthy

By: billybeaneismyhero

billybeaneismyhero — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 17:21:22 +0000

A couple of nagging injuries over the first year isn’t cause for concern. If those injuries keep him out of action for parts of 2011 and 2012, then I’ll worry.

By: Chris Fiorentino

Chris Fiorentino — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:13:19 +0000

Be afraid. Be very afraid.

By: Jonny 5

Jonny 5 — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:11:41 +0000

The braves offense should be bangin’ this season. I patiently await the beginning of the season. Actually I’m lying. I don’t feel patient about it at all.

On Heyward. I once hyperextended my thumb. It bent back past it’s normal limits and kinda popped. It hurt so bad I almost wanted to cry. But it took almost 2 years to get back to normal. 5 years later, it isn’t as stong as the other thumb, and can’t handle as much weight load. I’ve injured it since because it isn’t like it used to be, and never will. He should be able to handle a bat fine, but sliding into base he really needs to make sure he doesn’t bump the bag the wrong way. Injury will come much easier now on that particular thumb. By my experience anyway.

By: Mr. Jason "El Bravo" Heyward

Mr. Jason "El Bravo" Heyward — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:42:59 +0000

Believe in me Craig. Believe.