Wednesday, April 15, 2009

A-Rod Ahead of Schedule, To Take Live BP Soon

A couple articles about A-Rod's rehab and how well he's doing. First from MLB.com's John Schlegel:

The orthopedic surgeon who performed the operation on Alex Rodriguez's right hip says the Yankees third baseman's rehabilitation is ahead of schedule and he might return sooner than the May 15 target date.

Dr. Mark Philippon confirmed in an interview with The New York Times what Rodriguez said Monday -- that he might avoid a second surgery -- and added that the process is going along better than expected. Now monitoring his progress from afar in Vail, Colo., while Rodriguez ramps up his baseball activities in Tampa, Philippon said all reports are excellent.

"We don't want to rush too much," Philippon told the Times, "but according to Alex, his coordination, his motions, his muscle memory is coming back really fast. He told me yesterday that he felt better than he felt earlier at Spring Training, when he got started. We're five weeks out, and I think it's on schedule -- actually, slightly ahead of schedule."

And according to Jim Baumbach, A-Rod said he would start taking live batting practice soon:
Rodriguez said after "an abbreviated workout" that he's on track to begin live batting practice shortly, which represents the last significant step before taking part in minor-league rehab games.

"Should be pretty soon," Rodriguez said of batting practice. On Monday Rodriguez guessed that he's probably a week and a half from minor-league games.
I still think A-Rod will be back during the first week of May. The Yankees begin a very tough homestand on April 30th, taking on the Angels for four games, and then two short two-game series against the Red Sox and Rays. It would be nice to get A-Rod back for those eight games.

22 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Great news Greg. Sooner Arod gets back the better. We need the glove and the bat.

Greg Cohen said...

Yea they do. With A-Rod and Teixeira in this lineup, along with Swisher, Posada, Jeter, Damon, and Cano, they shouldn't have much trouble scoring.

Then if Matsui turns around, throw him in the mix and they become even more dangerous.

The only reason I left Nady out is because he might be headed to the DL.

Anonymous said...

Quite frankly I like Swish much better the X. Swisher has better stats in every facet of the game. Nady to me is nothing special. Hopefully Swish will stay, Ajax will come up and then we can move Nady for some bullpen pieces.

Greg Cohen said...

I like Swisher more too. Not only because he's hitting like crazy right now, but even when he struggles, he draws walks and takes a ton of pitches, and he's a switch-hitter.

Anonymous said...

Do you post on the yesboards? I see a lot of whats here, there.

If so I am the member: Dynasty.

Greg Cohen said...

Hey Dynasty, I'm Smokey on the YES boards.

Anonymous said...

He's also more versatile than Nady. They can both play any outfield position (except center, really) but Swisher also plays a decent first base, and he's not a bad relief pitcher.

I really think bringing in Swish is one of Cash's best moved since the Abreu/Lidle (RIP) trade.

Greg Cohen said...

It's looking like a great trade. Even if Swisher ends up hitting .250 it's still should be looked at as a good trade.

Anonymous said...

Swish's attitude is a breath of fresh air. I have not seen a guy that loose here in a long time, He says whats on his mind, he laughs, blasts his music, its great to hear/watch. When I 1st heard he was traded here I knew we were in for a surprise. Swish brings a lot to the table as well, maybe it my secret bromance coming out but I hope he produces and stays here.

-jeffro

Greg Cohen said...

Couldn't agree more jeffro. And thanks for throwing that sig at the bottom of your comment. I really wish more anonymous posters would do that.

Anonymous said...

im a trend-starter

-jeffro

Greg Cohen said...

I hope so jeffro.

SteveB said...

PeteAbe is reporting there may be bad news on Nady coming up.

Anonymous said...

Yes, he says surgery is on the horizon.

This sucks, injury bug is hitting us again. We can just hope that Teix is able to battle through his (minor) injury, and that Alex performs up to his expectations.


- Nyyfn (Hah, I did it!)

Anonymous said...

Swisher reminds me of Lou Pinella out their in the outfield but with much more power. Any thoughts?

Greg Cohen said...

That's for the head's up SteveB, just posted it above.

Nyyfn, Thanks for putting the sig in.

I just hope the pitchers stay healthy and there aren't any (other) long-term injuries to the position players. We've had enough over the past two seasons.

Greg Cohen said...

Joe, I'm too young to remember Lou as a player (aren't you?), but he sort of looks like him from the few highlights I've seen.

Anonymous said...

Yes I am. But from the highlights that I have seen and the stats that I was looking up earlier on the internet, they just seem like similar players. Gritty, role player types of players that every team would love to have on their squad.

Unknown said...

Swisher is doing one heck of a job filling in for A-Rod right now. At this rate if he keeps it up A-Rod doesn't need to rush back ASAP. May 15 is fine with me if that's the latest day he will be back.

Mike B. said...

I'm glad it looks like A-Rod is ahead of schedule. I'm hoping we'll soon have a killer line-up out there that can handle opposing pitching with relative ease.

Let's hear it for Swisher! In many ways I think he was the perfect addition to our team. His personality can only help us out, and he ain't too shabby at the plate or on the field. Bravo for Swisher!

I like the idea of "anonymous" posters using some sort of handle. As I don't want to feel left out, however, I've decided to place a signature after my posts. I just want to be part of the team and not feel disenfranchised. I have a very delicate self-image, you see. Low self-esteem has always been a problem for me. So.....

Mike

--Anonymous

Greg Cohen said...

Ah, I see what you're saying Joe.

HAHAHAHAHHA, nicely done Mike.

Mike B. said...

Hey, just trying a little humor, Greg!

Mike

--Oscar