Most around baseball will tell you that one of the most talented players in the league is B.J. Upton. But, as we are constantly reminded in sports, talent isn't the only deciding factor in a player's success. Hustle oftentimes is a big factor, and for the Rays' Upton, who was benched once again for not hustling, it seems to be the biggest.
Before the hurricane reached land Monday night, Rays closer Troy Percival announced that he will not need season ending surgery on his knee. Of course, that's right now. Percival said that he will test out the knee in four or five, and then go from there with how it feels. Surgery seems to be a last resort, however.
While Joba Chamberlain's less-than-ideal conversion from a reliever into a major-league starter worked well for the Yankess - before Chamberlain injured his rotator cuff, that is - the transition may have been in vain. The Yankees are apparently considering placing Joba in the bullpen upon his return, the date of which is still uncertain.
Detroit Tigers reliever Joel Zumaya has been placed on the 15-day DL after the scar tissue in the flamethrower's shoulder broke loose. While the injury is not career threatening, Zumaya - who had a shoulder operation last fall - could miss the rest of the 2008 season, as there will be little over a month left when he is eligible to return.
There has always been great controversy over instituting instant replay in baseball; however, it appears that it is certainly in baseball’s future. In fact, it could be in use as early as late August of this season once the League irons out issues with the system, which will be used for boundary calls such as foul balls and home runs.
