azdad1978
Championship!!!!
Bob McManaman
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 3, 2005 12:00 AM
TUCSON - Luis Gonzalez's surgically repaired right elbow withstood a series of simulated game situations in left field Wednesday, and when the practice session was over, he gave a giant bear hug to head athletic trainer Paul Lessard.
''It was just a big relief for me because I knew this day was coming," said Gonzalez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in August to repair a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. "You tell yourself that mentally you're OK, but until you actually get out there and do it . . . I felt pretty good after the day was over."
Gonzalez fielded ground balls and shots off the fence and reported no problems in one-hopping some throws to second and third base under the watchful eyes of manager Bob Melvin and other members of the coaching and training staff, whom he credited in helping speed his return.
He had a single and a stolen base as a designated hitter in Arizona's intrasquad game, but won't start in left field during Cactus League games until Tuesday at the earliest.
"More than anything, (the simulation) was to ease his mind that he can do it," Melvin said.
Gonzalez likely will participate in two or three more simulations before his first scheduled start.
Helpful hint
After consulting with a couple of teammates just to make sure his suspicions were correct, infielder Alex Cintron informed pitcher Brandon Lyon that the right-hander was tipping his pitches during Wednesday's scrimmage.
"He's my teammate, and I'm going to help him," Cintron said.
Lyon, who missed all of last season following ulnar nerve transposition surgery, appreciated the gesture.
"It's good to get feedback from them," said Lyon, a candidate to win a spot in the bullpen. "Everybody works together in here, and it's a great group of guys."
Cintron belted a two-run homer off Brian Bruney.
Another weapon
Opening Day starter Javier Vazquez threw all fastballs with the exception of two pitches during his one inning Wednesday. The other two were knuckle curves to Scott Hairston, a new pitch Vazquez intends to incorporate.
"I learned the grip from (Mike) Mussina last year in New York," Vazquez said. "I didn't throw it in a game, but this year, I've practiced it in the off-season, and hopefully it's going to work."
The pitch puts a little more spin and subsequent bite on the break of the ball. Hairston called the pitch "nasty," but he connected on a Vazquez fastball for a three-run home run in the first inning.
Short hops
Left-handed Shawn Estes threw 12 pitches in the game and reported no problems with his sprained right ankle. He hustled and looked sharp in twice covering first base and once covering third.
"And nothing was wrong, throwing-wise," Estes added.
• Outfield prospect Conor Jackson played first base and drew positive reviews from Melvin. Jackson will play both positions this spring and is considered a can't-miss major leaguer.
• Right-hander Russ Ortiz will start today's Cactus League opener against the White Sox. He will be followed by lefties Brad Halsey and Michael Gosling.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/special3/articles/0303dbacksnb0303.html
The Arizona Republic
Mar. 3, 2005 12:00 AM
TUCSON - Luis Gonzalez's surgically repaired right elbow withstood a series of simulated game situations in left field Wednesday, and when the practice session was over, he gave a giant bear hug to head athletic trainer Paul Lessard.
''It was just a big relief for me because I knew this day was coming," said Gonzalez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in August to repair a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. "You tell yourself that mentally you're OK, but until you actually get out there and do it . . . I felt pretty good after the day was over."
Gonzalez fielded ground balls and shots off the fence and reported no problems in one-hopping some throws to second and third base under the watchful eyes of manager Bob Melvin and other members of the coaching and training staff, whom he credited in helping speed his return.
He had a single and a stolen base as a designated hitter in Arizona's intrasquad game, but won't start in left field during Cactus League games until Tuesday at the earliest.
"More than anything, (the simulation) was to ease his mind that he can do it," Melvin said.
Gonzalez likely will participate in two or three more simulations before his first scheduled start.
Helpful hint
After consulting with a couple of teammates just to make sure his suspicions were correct, infielder Alex Cintron informed pitcher Brandon Lyon that the right-hander was tipping his pitches during Wednesday's scrimmage.
"He's my teammate, and I'm going to help him," Cintron said.
Lyon, who missed all of last season following ulnar nerve transposition surgery, appreciated the gesture.
"It's good to get feedback from them," said Lyon, a candidate to win a spot in the bullpen. "Everybody works together in here, and it's a great group of guys."
Cintron belted a two-run homer off Brian Bruney.
Another weapon
Opening Day starter Javier Vazquez threw all fastballs with the exception of two pitches during his one inning Wednesday. The other two were knuckle curves to Scott Hairston, a new pitch Vazquez intends to incorporate.
"I learned the grip from (Mike) Mussina last year in New York," Vazquez said. "I didn't throw it in a game, but this year, I've practiced it in the off-season, and hopefully it's going to work."
The pitch puts a little more spin and subsequent bite on the break of the ball. Hairston called the pitch "nasty," but he connected on a Vazquez fastball for a three-run home run in the first inning.
Short hops
Left-handed Shawn Estes threw 12 pitches in the game and reported no problems with his sprained right ankle. He hustled and looked sharp in twice covering first base and once covering third.
"And nothing was wrong, throwing-wise," Estes added.
• Outfield prospect Conor Jackson played first base and drew positive reviews from Melvin. Jackson will play both positions this spring and is considered a can't-miss major leaguer.
• Right-hander Russ Ortiz will start today's Cactus League opener against the White Sox. He will be followed by lefties Brad Halsey and Michael Gosling.
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/special3/articles/0303dbacksnb0303.html
