Minnesota Writer Believes Paul Molitor Won’t Coddle Players With Concussions
A Minnesota writer thinks new Twins manager Paul Molitor, a former MLB star, won’t coddle injured players, even those with concussions
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The Minnesota Twins have hired Paul Molitor as their new manager and many in the twin cities are excited.
One Minnesota resident that is especially excited is Jim Souhan of the the Star Tribune. Souhan believes Molitor will bring “toughness” and won’t coddle players, even if they have a concussion.
Here is what he had to say:
"His first order of business should be introducing a new mentality to the clubhouse.During their four consecutive losing seasons, the Twins tried to exercise caution with injured or bruised players. Anyone complaining of an ache was given an extra day or two off. There is logic in that approach. There is also danger. The Twins clubhouse became a place where you could collect a check without actually taking the field.One of the early tests of Molitor’s tenure will be his handling of his best player, Joe Mauer.Both grew up in St. Paul. Both played baseball at Cretin High. Both had the early years of their careers defined by constant injuries. The difference between them is important. Molitor’s desire to play was obvious. Mauer’s is not.When the guy making $23 million a year begs out of the lineup because of a bruise, it’s difficult for the manager to push others to play through pain."
Wow.
Twins Daily points out Mauer has been on the disabled list because of a torn meniscus (2004); thigh strain (2007); lower back sprain (2009); bilateral leg weakness (2011); pneumonia (2011); concussion (2013); and an oblique strain (2014).
In this day and age, with all of the information we have involving injuries, especially ones that occur in the brain like concussion, you’d think people would change their view points. Rather than not being “tough,” people who don’t play through injuries are simply trying to make sure they can remember their career in the future.
(H/T to Hard Ball Talk)