I guess it was just a matter of time before Eric Gagne would get hurt. I have to admit I thought he'd make it through April, but then again, this is a guy who has thrown 15 1/3 innings the last two years. Oh wait, apologies, make that 18 2/3 innings since 2005 began, which includes the one out he recorded Sunday, and a few other outings.
While this Gagne injury seems like nothing, a hip strain that will make him, like everyone else in this world I suppose, day-to-day, I wouldn't punt Akinori Otsuka quite yet. Look, injury-prone players get their reputations for a reason. I watched all three Phillies games in Cincy this weekend, and Ken Griffey Jr. batted one time. Once. Josh Hamilton, meanwhile, isn't just a member of the Reds, he was their cleanup hitter! I suppose we should've seen this coming back in March. Is Hamilton legit? Yeah, I'd say so.
While watching him this weekend I saw the tools that made Hamilton worthy of being the first overall pick a few years ago. It's been three weeks now, it's clear this is more than a curiosity. He has a terrific grasp of the strike zone, knowing which pitches he can drive and which ones to lay off. He stole a base on Sunday. He's got the arm. He walked more than he struck out this week. Sure, he can't touch lefties, but he'll learn.
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Eric Karabell
