Odds and Ends: HK, Injuries, Howard/Bonds, Pedro

-It was one year ago today that our dearest broadcasting friend Harry Kalas passed away in the booth in Washington.  Needless to say, we will never, ever forget him.  Hard to believe it’s been one year.

In his stead, T-Mac, Franzke, and the boys have done their part to live up to the legacy that Kalas left.  In my opinion, they have all done a pretty outstanding job. It’s so tough following an iconic figure that was so well known throughout the entire region, and the entire sport.  Some of you may not like certain aspects of how the broadcasters currently do their job, but each is ultra-prepared and brings their own flare to the sport.

We miss you HK.

-Onto the injury news.  From the mouth of Jayson Werth, he said he hurt is hip during an AB in the 4th inning of yesterday’s home opening win, but it is not serious. He said he may miss a few games, but he doesnt believe it will linger on.  One can only hope, because Jimmy Rollins’s injury seems much more serious.  He will undergo an MRI today on his strained calf, but by all accounts, a DL stint could be in the work.

Trying to find the positive in this situation, at least it happened early in the year and there is ample time to recover for both men. The Rollins injury could be devastating to a guy who was having an ultimate comeback just a week into the season.  J-Roll is taking walks, seeing the ball so well, and has been that spark plug at the top of the order.

Keep an eye out for a Corey Seidman article that zeroes in on Rollins and the year he is having thus far.  That should be coming today.

-Some interesting news that will no doubt conjure up some differing opinions; Sunday in San Francisco at an event commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Giants’ ballpark, Barry Bonds mentioned that he had worked with Ryan Howard during the offseason.  In this Marcus Hayes article

, it appears Howard reached out to the great lefty slugger and the two worked together in Tampa.

Since the two teamed up, it seems Howard’s confidence has soared, and his strikeouts have sunk as well.  Could this be because of Bonds, one of the many during the 90’s and early ’00’s who is thought to have taken performance-enhancing drugs?  It certainly seems that his tutelage may have helped. Ryno has moved closer to the plate and has laid off the breaking stuff, something that has haunted him throughout his career.

Do I like Bonds? No, I don’t.  But if it helps Howard become a better hitter, then I’m all for it.  What say you?

-According to a report from ESPN Deportes (if you can read Spanish, go right ahead), the Phillies are “in talks” with Pedro Martinez.  This seems like a non-issue to me because Ruben Amaro has stated all along that they’ve been looking (and will keep searching) for pitching.  The Phillies understand that they can trust the arm of Pedro for about half a year, so look for more info to come out in the next month or two.