MASH Report (7/27/15)

• Just about no one went on the DL this past weekend, so a short MASH report today.

• During his Hall of Fame speech, John Smoltz said the following about young pitchers and Tommy John surgeries.

“Before I hand it over to next inductee, I’d be remiss if I did not talk about Tommy John. I’ve been given an opportunity as one of the only players, the only one right now, to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with Tommy John Surgery. It’s an epidemic. It’s something that is affecting our game. It’s something that I thought would cost me my career, but thanks to Dr. James Andrews and all those before him, performing the surgery with such precision has caused it to be almost a false-read, like a band-aid you put on your arm.

I want to encourage the families and parents that are out there that this is not normal to have a surgery at 14 and 15 years old. That you have time, that baseball is not a year-round sport. That you have an opportunity to be athletic and play other sports. Don’t let the institutions that are out there running before you guaranteeing scholarship dollars and signing bonuses that this is the way….

I want to encourage you, if nothing else, know that your children’s passion and de-sire to play baseball is something that they can do without a competitive pitch. Every throw a kid makes today is a competitive pitch. They don’t go outside, they don’t have fun, they don’t throw enough — but they’re competing and maxing out too hard, too early, and that’s why we’re having these problems. Please, take care of those great future arms.”

I agree 100%

• The drama is finally over after waiting three weeks. Michael Cuddyer finally goes on the DL with his never-ending knee pain.

• Dustin Pedroia is back on the DL again by reinjuring his hamstring which cost him time earlier in the year.

Velocity Readings

• Jeremy Affeldt’s average fastball velocity is fine.

• Aaron Sanchez’s velocity is up to his previous bullpen levels

Players on the DL in 2015

The Red players have had updates since the last report. Click on the “Date” for a link to go to the latest article on the player.