Bobby Beat 2001 v1: Bobs slog through injury riddled half

[jiminyhopkins]

Washington, DC--

Take a look at the ol' MBBA injury report, why doncha. Go ahead, look.

The carnage that has been the Washington Bobwhites' first half has been practically unprecedented. It all started back on April 7th, in the Bobby ace's second start of the year. No, wait, we take that back. It actually started last season.

Ken Howell had just signed a 2 year, $18 million contract extension prior to the 2000 season. All went well at first, with Howell compiling a 7-4, 3.23 line by mid June. Then, on June 13th, Howell tore his labrum and would miss the rest of the season. All was not lost, however, as Bobwhite fans looked forward to the old master leading the club next year.

Fast forward to 2001.

Things were looking up, as Howell rejoined the team just before camp broke in spring training and was declared fit to pitch. Well, that all ended on April 7th, when Howell left the game with shoulder inflammation. Doctors said he would miss 6 months, which for all intents and purposes ended the 40 year old's season, and possibly his career.

And that was just the beginning. As the season wore on, 7 more major league players were placed on the DL, including since healed CF Daniel Fabiano and then his replacement on the roster, Randall Prout. Including Howell, 5 pitchers are currently out until at least September. And then the latest blow, as veteran RF Terry Blass, on his way to the finest season in his career, will miss the rest of the year with a hip fracture.

SO when the owner is "Angry" and fan interest falls below 50, at least there is a reason why. Were it not for the Bobbies clubhouse looking like the Mayo Clinic, Washington may very well be contending in the weak JL Atlantic.

[recte44]

DAMN- that's a lot of injuries. I'd say at this point to be just 6 games out of first you have to be ecstatic.

[nverhoev]

Only 4 games back now. All those injuries and you're still gaining ground .