Padres Editorial: Wil Myers Wrist is a Concern for Padres
No matter what you read or see in the newspaper, you have to really believe the San Diego Padres are concerned with the wrist of their 24-year old slugging outfielder. Wil Myers has a history of wrist issues, and this latest injury could be the sign of a chronic issue.
A baseball players hands and wrists are very important to their swing. If they are not healthy in those areas, they cannot successfully power the bat through the zone. Putting a good swing on the ball is very important in determining success for hitter. It is as simple as that.
This current wrist injury has sidelined Myers for nearly one month. Latest tests show that swelling has subsided, but Myers still has a bone spur on his wrist that from time to time will bother the tendon sheath in his wrist. Surgery might be a possible long-term solution, but obviously not during the season.
Myers was spotted working with Dave Roberts and Jose Valentin on his sliding. Myers hurt the wrist originally on Mothers Day with a slide into third base against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Myers has a propensity to drag his wrist down at his side while sliding into bases, and that needs to be fixed. It’s a very typical way to slide, but if Myers is hurting himself in the process, it should be altered. The coaches were working with him to raise his hands in the air while he slides in order to reduce the likelihood of re-injuring that hurt left wrist.
A tough task for a ball player the age of Myers. He has traditionally slid that way into bases, and to change his slide in the heat of battle, will be a tough task. Somehow old habits kick in when a ball player is playing the game. We will see if Myers is able to make the adjustment.
Upon his return, another issue will simply be… where do you play Myers? He looked really comfortable at first base, but the Padres surely need Yonder Alonso in their lineup. Alonso is currently leading the team in hitting and provides a solid left-handed bat for the Padres. Not a likely spot for Myers to play everyday.
Myers could slide back into the center field spot, but obviously the team’s defense will struggle with that move. Will Venable has flashed a golden glove while playing center field on most nights for the Padres recently. To take him out of the lineup will be tough.
The other issue with Myers in center field is Melvin Upton Jr. appears on track to return in a matter of weeks. Upton is an excellent center fielder and is sure to get some playing time out there. Myers could be playing all over the field when it’s all said and done. MLB.Com reporter Corey Brock even reported that Myers told Bud Black he could play some second base for the team if needed.
The Padres infield and outfield is crowded. There are so many pieces, and with the return of Melvin Upton and Wil Myers things are going to get even more complicated. Jedd Gyorko, Will Middlebrooks, Yangervis Solarte and Cory Spangenberg are all vying for playing time and Bud Black will have to pick a name out of a hat in order to make his lineup on a daily basis.
One would have to assume that the Padres will be active in the trade market soon. A deal where the Padres package current 25 man roster players for an upgrade somewhere seems likely. Anything can happen, and the team must choose wisely in upgrading their team while not upsetting any chemistry that has been developed by this new squad of players.
Myers and his wrist are very important to the Padres future. The team dealt some very good prospects to obtain the former American League Rookie of the Year. The Padres should remain cautious with his wrist and not rush Myers back too early. He does absolutely no good to the team if he cannot perform 100 percent. Padres fans eagerly await the return of Wil Myers. Hopefully that will be real soon.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.