Health of the Phillies

Earlier this week Baseball Prospect performed its annual check-up on the health of the Phillies.  They posited a few stats to help quantify the loss of injuries last year in what was Head Trainer, Scott Sheridan’s first season with the club.  All told in 2007, there were 1,049 player-days lost to injury which amounted to $19.95 million lost.  Suffice it to say, Freddy Garcia took the lion’s share of that last stat, but more significant were the shorter-term injuries to Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Brett Myers and Cole Hamels.  Looking ahead to 2008, from that group, only Ryan Howard has been given the “green light” – meaning he should be less injury-prone this season.

Among the guys classified as “red lights” are Shane Victornio, Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Tom Gordon; however, as we know, Brad Lidge and now Adam Eaton

are also struggling with injuries.  It should be noted, that Victorino’s inclusion on the list has more to do with his youthful exuberance and position as a centerfielder.  In 2006, Shane logged 557 innings at center (more than any other position), but only 16 innings last season.  It will be interesting to observe how he takes to his new full-time role.  Will he come out aggressive considering his wingmen?  How will he play the bounces off the wall?  Is he comfortable knowing where he is on the field?  The answers to these questions will have be major factors in not only his performance defensively, but also in his ability to stay healthy for the entire season.