Sunday, August 28, 2011

T.J. Simers Says Andre Ethier is Playing Hurt

What happened to Andre Ethier's power? T.J. Simers has a theory. From "Dodgers' treatment of Andre Ethier is baffling" at the LA Times:

Ask Ethier if he should still be playing on a right knee that will require off-season surgery, and he says, "If you're expecting me to do what I've done in the past, no, there's no possible way I can do that right now. You can say tough it out and give it your best shot, but it's not going to happen.

"It's only going to get worse from this point. I've dealt with it all season long, but as the season goes on my body wears down. That's just the way it is — I keep getting put in the lineup, so what am I supposed to do?"

The Dodgers played all season without a left fielder, so why not make a change in right, shut down Ethier and wheel him into the operating room?

"A million-dollar question," Ethier says before catching himself. "But I think there is a value in finishing anything you start." [...]

"What am I supposed to be concerned about?" General Manager Ned Colletti says. "That he has those numbers [since the All-Star break], that he's hurt or contends he's hurt?"

Contends he's hurt?

Ouch.

Even accounting for Simers' penchant for needless provocation, the mistrust and lack of communication on this issue is pretty depressing. Is Ethier trying to play his way into a trade? Is Colletti positioning himself for arbitration? Can't we just act like professionals here?

13 comments:

Josh S. said...

I don't know which way to fall here. Ned is Ned, but Ethier has always struck me as a tad out of touch with reality (dating back to the "no pictures with fans" thing).

Eff 'em both, I say.

Kyle Baker said...

This seems like it is really trumped up. I need more and clearer information before believing it.

Fernie V said...

He wants out, have we forgotten his comments right before opening day. He later commented to fans in San Diego his diapproval of ownership.

Andre, everyone grows up wanting to become a Dodger but only a handful can handle being an Dodger.

spank said...

No comment.

Steve Sax said...

I'm blogging hurt, but you don't hear me complaining.

Paul said...

He is clearly not the same player. If he says his knee is banged up, then you believe him. I think he has earned the Dodgers trust. But the Dodgers brass has lost my trust so I'll say they are fucking with him to save money.

Fred's Brim said...

grr this shit is so stupid and unnecessary. The fact that it keeps popping up makes it doubly frustrating

Mr. LA Sports Czar said...

I'll believe it when it comes from someone other than Simers.

Kyle Baker said...

Exactly, Assassin.

Fernie V said...

He has to go, this is the Dodgers not the Lakers.

spank said...

@ FV

You're treading on shark infested waters,holmes.Watch yourself,fool.

#hardcoremofolakerfan

Fernie V said...

@spank I meant basketball team attitude, no knocking the Lakers

spank said...

I blame coffee rage for my comment to FV. I'm quitting by the way.