Brad Lidge came off the Disabled list today only to have Ryan Madson hop right on to it.
Madson reportedly kicked a chair in frustration and broke his big toe on his right foot. The right foot is ominously the same foot a right handed pitcher pushes off the pitcher’s mound with and generally bears the entire pitcher’s weight on each pitch. This isn’t going to be a quick, nor easy, recovery for him. I do have experience with broken big toes and I will share the advice my high school phys. ed. teacher shared with me. “Don’t kick something you’re not supposed to kick.”
Really with something like this you wonder if owners would have a stupidity clause for those who find themselves on the DL for anger issues. Dontrell Willis was the first MLB player ever added to the DL for emotional problems but I wonder how teams use this to their advantage.. strategically.
Last summer I recall Bastardo (who is probably driving back to Philly as I type this) went up to the Phillies only to be rocked in his first few appearances. He promptly ended the season on the disabled list. What would be psychologically better for the player. Knowing he went to the bigs and failed miserably or to convince him he is injured, place him on the DL then have him “rehab” in the minors until he felt better.. i.e. performed better. Brad Lidge also took some time in the minors this year to “rehab” and also to clear his head of the stress of big league ball on a championship club. Perhaps the Phillies have a psychologist on staff to assist in decisions like this? Brett Myers and Kyle Kendrick both were put back into the system when they struggled and although they didn’t retain the “injured and working back” status.. they both benefitted with the time spent in Reading and Allentown.
It really makes me wonder if teams are abusing the DL to their advantage. The current seige of “Valendia” type injuries so roster moves won’t result in the release of a valued player have been seen more and more these days. When will baseball step in and say whoah.. we need a doctor’s note to put you on the DL.
That also solves the question of who goes down to AA when Bastardo comes down to AAA. Anyone who follows our beloved Ironpigs had that gut feeling that Jason Anderson was ready to pack his stuff for a return to Berks county this week.
Looking at the weekend series coming up…
Saturday – Post game fireworks
Sunday – Tie Dye 60’s night, baseball giveaway and kids run the bases after the game.
Monday – Another Martial Arts Night
Tuesday – Early game for Education Day
Wednesday – Off day
Thursday – Wrestling star Jerry The King Lawler makes an appearance. Why do I get the feeling that Hambone might get his first Pork Race win of the season via a Lawler clothesline?
Friday – Friday night fireworks
Saturday – Faith night and travel mug giveaway
Sunday – Mother’s day pink visor giveaway
Monday – Dance night #2
See you at the ballpark!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
See you then and also see you at Pitcher’s. GO PIGS!!! OINK!!!
Monday May 10 we’re in Charlotte, right?