Ironic, isn't it, that a day after The CHB goes after David Ortiz for defying Father Time (and, by implication, drug testers), he pontificates about a possible arm injury suffered by Red Sox backstop Christian Vazquez?
We say ironic, because here's The CHB's take on the injury is to quote ex-Sox manager Joe Morgan, who reportedly said, “You almost never see a catcher with a sore arm."
Skipping, for the moment, any supporting data for such a statement, The CHB immediately agrees: "Joe’s right. It’s rare. Morgan makes this point to demonstrate the value of throwing all the time. He thinks modern pitchers baby their arms. Joe’s logic is that, the more you throw, the stronger your arm will be. The rarity of the sore-armed catcher makes his point."
Well then!
Modern medicine would probably love to know what Capt. Morgan's been putting in his coffee. Ligaments, like any muscles, tendons or bones, are susceptible to injury from overuse. You only have so many bullets in the revolver. This has been known since Ted Williams was at his peak. And oh by the way, the rise of year-round baseball, coupled with the specialization at early ages many athletes are forced into, are feeding the overstress.
But, and here's where the irony kicks in, there is a strong correlation between steroid use and ligament damage: "That damage may stem from their cartilage adapting slowly (or not enough) to the increased muscle growth and force generated by the drugs, or from the greater mass and stress exerted on their ligaments and cartilage."
But Christian Vazquez isn't Big Papi. He's young and, to The CHB, unsullied by time and arrogance. So naturally he's above suspicion. Would that Ortiz be given the same consideration.
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