Three words that any pitcher does not want to see.
Doctor
James
Andrews
The Nationals just released the following medical news on RHP Shawn Hill
RHP Shawn Hill is suffering from swelling in his right elbow. With this setback in mind, Hill will not pitch for the Nationals this season. On Friday, Hill will be examined by Dr. James Andrews in Pensacola, FL.
I have a fondness for him because back in 2005, he was my first big break. He was the first person associated with the Nationals who agreed to speak with me. Over the past three seasons, I’ve watched several of Shawn’s rehab starts (along with a few of his major league starts) and he has always been one of the more open and honest players I have ever met.
Any time you hear the words “elbow” and “Andrews” mentioned in the same breath, your first thought is Tommy John surgery … a surgery that Shawn has already had (he has previously had surgery performed by Dr. Andrews on his non-throwing shoulder).
We don’t know anything specific yet. But I wanted to take the time to wish him the best of luck.
MrMadison | 28-Aug-08 at 4:23 pm | Permalink
Shawn Patters..
oh nevermind.
Andrew S. | 28-Aug-08 at 4:28 pm | Permalink
Brian, you said it best about Shawn.
Nick | 28-Aug-08 at 4:30 pm | Permalink
As a fellow Canadian, and one of last remaining holdovers from the Expos era, Shawn Hill was someone I always rooted for. It’s a shame he’s had so many injuries, because i’m sure he would have turned out to be a quality major league pitcher. If this is really the end for him, then it’s a sad day for me personally.
BIM | 28-Aug-08 at 6:50 pm | Permalink
Sorry to hear this about a player that has always seemed to give everything he had whenever he was handed the ball. I wish him the best (damn, I was really hoping he’d be available for the last 2-3 weeks of the season).
Hoagie | 28-Aug-08 at 9:21 pm | Permalink
Convert him to a closer!!!
Fake Uncle Teddy | 28-Aug-08 at 11:27 pm | Permalink
If he went for the surgery, we’d have to pay for it?
Pass.
J. Cole | 29-Aug-08 at 12:02 am | Permalink
Though not a fellow Canadian, I am a holdover EXPOS fan, and I go with Nick on this one. If he does come back and throws with the same break, bite,velocity,etc. on his pitches, I would like to see him pitrch relief. He just doesn’t have the arm that can take the wear & tear of 200 Innings per year.
SH41 | 29-Aug-08 at 12:50 am | Permalink
Just wanted to thank you for the comments, not often people go out of their way to say something positive anymore, but it is greatly appreciated when it happens sincerely.
MrMadison | 29-Aug-08 at 1:16 am | Permalink
Convert him to a closer!!!
this might actually be a great idea.
VladiHondo | 29-Aug-08 at 1:56 am | Permalink
I remember the interview! It pretty much made me a fan of this site as a ’90s + Expos fan. Nice, long, in-depth, couldn’t believe how a bum like you could get him talking for so long! ;)
Never thought he’d do well enough to make the majors after his initial operation, so it was so good to see Shawn in DC, his grit and determination made it fun to watch him pitch. It is indeed sad to see it come to yet another operation.
Good luck Shawn, ‘eh! May it only be exploratory!
Hoagie | 29-Aug-08 at 8:40 am | Permalink
Check out my analysis of what would happen if Hill was converted to a reliever. Scroll down to “pitching” and it’s there. Keep in mind this was written in June, but not a whole lot has changed stat-wise since then.
Tom | 29-Aug-08 at 9:47 am | Permalink
Ladies and gentlemen get over the cheap issue when it comes to injuries. Just like any other business all medical expenses are paid through workman’s compensation insurance. And to top it off these players are going to the best doctors in their specialties. Are you? Get over it.
MrMadison | 29-Aug-08 at 11:07 am | Permalink
yeah, I am failing to see what Tom’s self-righteous post has to do with anything being discussed in this comment thread.
who said anything about “cheap when it comes to injuries”?
Carol | 29-Aug-08 at 3:46 pm | Permalink
I would agree. If the number of innings his arm is taking is the issue why not make him a relief pitcher?
VladiHondo | 30-Aug-08 at 9:37 am | Permalink
Good news, may be fixed up with just a ’scope! Hope to see Shawn in Spring Training.