Morning Jolt: Pads' Gonzalez has played hurt all year
Wednesday, September 29
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Gonzalez has been playing hurt all year
Adrian Gonzalez announced Tuesday that a shoulder injury he suffered in May has impacted his ability to hit home runs in 2010. After hitting 36 and 40 homers the past two seasons, Gonzalez has hit 30 home runs in 2010. He has hit just three home runs in the past 30 games. Gonzalez said his right shoulder "flared up" at Houston in early May. "I had to change the way I hit," Gonzalez said. "I'm thinking (of hitting) more on top of the ball and hitting more line drives up the middle, (hit) the other way (rather) than trying to look for situations where I can try to hit home runs." (San Diego Union Tribune)Comment
Schobel doesn't fit in Houston
The Texans, looking for help on their defensive line, and Aaron Schobel will part ways. After weeks of speculation that he would come out of retirement, play for the Texans and be reunited with assistant head coach defensive line Bill Kollar, Schobel worked out for the team Monday but elected to stay retired on Tuesday. "It's late (in the signing process), and I'm not in the best of shape. (But) the bottom line is that we couldn't come to an agreement," Schobel said Tuesday from his home in Columbus. "I think they saw me for what I am and not for what I can be. I'd gotten heavy, but I've lost weight. I'm still probably 10 pounds away from being at my best. It would have taken me another week or two to get into (playing) shape." (Houston Chronicle)Comment
Brooks irked by Rockets' treatment
Aaron Brooks has entered camp in a different mood. The wit as quick as his first step was gone. When discussing his contract Tuesday, Brooks found no humor. Brooks had hoped his breakthrough season and status as the NBA's Most Improved Player award winner would prompt the Rockets to offer a contract extension. Instead, he said the Rockets' unwillingness to work on a new deal for beyond this season is "bothering" him. "It's kind of stressful," Brooks said. ... Asked if he felt he deserves a contract extension, Brooks said, "Oh, no doubt. I deserve at least discussions." (Houston Chronicle)Comment
Must-See Photo
Matt Garza and David Price celebrate the Rays' playoff berth with Tampa Bay fans, who have been a hot topic of conversation recently, due to the team's low home attendance. (J. Meric/Getty Images)
Must-See Video
Jay Bruce's walk-off homer in the bottom of the ninth clinched the NL Central title and put the Reds into the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Check out the view from section 427 and the ensuing fireworks display.
Game To Watch
Diamondbacks at Giants, 10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
SI Vault: Joe Louis
This Day in Sports
- 1793 -- Tennis is first mentioned in an English sporting magazine.
- 1913 -- Washington Senators ace Walter Johnson wins his 36th game.
- 1920 -- Babe Ruth sets single-season record (at the time) with 54 home runs.
- 1941 -- Joe Louis TKOs Lou Nova in the sixth round for the heavyweight boxing title.
- 1976 -- Giants pitcher John Montefusco no-hits the Braves, 9-0.
- 1996 -- Orioles' Brady Anderson becomes the 14th player to hit 50 HRs.
