HOT SEAT FANTASY PLAYER: COREY DICKERSON

Rising MLB star, Corey Dickerson was recently traded from the Rockies to the Rays. Fantasy players had high hopes for Corey's 2015 season but chronic plantar fasciitis and rib fractures limited him to 224 AB. He still managed to bat .303 with 10 HR in limited duty.

Manager Walt Weiss has been quoted as saying, "this kid could hit underwater." His talent is not being questioned. We're going to look at the long term implications of his 2015 injuries and see if he is worth the gamble in 2016.

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of a thick band of connective tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia supports the arch and absorbs shock to the foot.

Due to the chronic nature of this injury, I suspect Corey may have faulty foot mechanics which along with prolonged standing and walking (needed for his job) have caused repetitive trauma to the fascia.

This is an injury that may need constant maintenance given his job description. Treatment likely includes anti-inflammatory injections, orthotics to support his foot mechanics and unload the plantar fascia along with an aggressive strength/stabilization and stretching program. Given his work ethic, I think this problem will be manageable for him going forward.

Corey also missed considerable time due to fractured ribs he suffered while diving for a fly ball on July 30. This injury should be fully healed now and based on his recent batting cage sessions I don't forsee this injury being an issue in the future.

The challenge to Corey's value will be TB's crowded OF situation. Given every player's learning curve when transitioning to a new league; the question becomes will Corey get enough ABs to merit his selection on your Fantasy team. If he can get off to a hot start he should be a nice pickup.

Labral Tears: THROWING ATHLETES MOST FEARED INJURY (A simplified guide)

Now that the smoke has cleared on the news that Greg Bird has a right labral tear requiring surgery, let's talk about this Boogeyman (known as a labral tear) and what this really means.

The labrum is a ring of soft fibrous tissue located in the shoulder socket. It's job is to help stabilize the shoulder joint. This collagen material cannot be strengthened and there are no reliable techniques to prevent labrum injuries. Oh, and did I mention they are tough to diagnose too!

A type I tear is when a portion of this tissue frays but remains intact. Usually PT can help regain motion, strength and function. In some circumstances arthroscopic surgery is recommended. Most procedures involve removing torn sections of this tissue.

A type II tear is when the labrum actually becomes detached from the bone. To correct this, the labrum is sutured back to the bone through anchors arthroscopically. As you can imagine this is a more involved rehab process than recovery from a type I tear.

These procedures are far more complicated and pose more of a threat to a throwing athlete's career than Tommy John surgery. In two separate studies it was reported that 3% and 14% of pitchers suffering from labrum tears were able to return to their previous level of success. This is far from the nearly 90% reported following Tommy John surgery.

Recovery really depends on a lot of factors such as the location and severity of the tear, how well the repair went, how well the patient heals, if they follow their physician's protocol and is compliant with physical therapy. Return to full essential function is usually between 6 and 8 months however the stress of throwing a baseball requires much more time. (12-14 months)

The good news is Greg Bird is not a pitcher and he plays a position in the field that requires the least arm strength. What makes Bird special is his bat not his arm. Expect him to be ready to compete at 2017 spring training. Ok... now everyone take a deep breath.

Starlin Castro WORKOUT

www.pikore.com/starlincastro1324

Here is Starlin's latest post of himself getting ready for the season. Not sure I love his choice of bicep curls. I'd have him hold an isometric curl at 90 deg of elbow bend on one arm while the other arm curls through full range at the same time single leg bearfoot balancing on foam but tomato, to-mah-to. In any event keep it up and thanks for sharing Starlin!

Dustin Ackley- DAMAGED GOODS?

Dustin Ackley was placed on the DL with back pain after appearing in just 2 games and 3 AB for the Yankees following his acquisition from the Mariners at the 2015 trade deadline.

The former #2 overall draft pick had experienced intermittent lower back issues over the years but was not experiencing issues or seeking treatment at the time of the trade therefore his back problem is now the Yankees problem.

The team initially called his injury a right lower back strain but later admitted Dustin was dealing with a lumbar disc herniation. The prescribed treatment was an epidural injection along with physical therapy.

An epidural injection is a common treatment for this condition which entails the delivery of steroid medication directly around spinal nerve roots to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy would have consisted of repeated spinal movements, joint mobilizations and soft tissue techniques designed to centralize then abolish his symptoms. Once these symptoms were centralized or abolished typical rehab programs for this injury would focus on a progressive core stabilization program to prevent re-injury.

Apparently this treatment plan was effective as Dustin was able to return to play and contribute without exacerbation during the stretch run for the Yankees.

The Yankees have access to the best medical care in the world therefore it is safe to assume Dustin's off season program includes dynamic core stabilization and an overall flexibility program to reduce the risk for re-injury.

With Starlin Castro now the full time 2nd baseman and a crowded OF, it looks like Dustin is going to have a bench role for the Yankees.

It might be a bit more difficult for Dustin to get loose in a pinch if Girardi calls on him however with the new amenities like underground batting cages and vast locker rooms in most stadiums, I don't think this will be too much of a problem. As long as Girardi can keep his bat from becoming stale I don't anticipate Ackley's back from limiting his 2016 performance.

Please let us know what you think Dustin Ackley's contribution will be to the 2016 team in the comment section below.

Mark Teixeria HOT START OR NOT

The injury prone Mark Teixeira was having a healthy and productive MVP type season for the Yankees in 2015. Mark attributed this past season's success to his adoption of a gluten free diet. This on field productivity came to a screeching halt when he fouled a ball off his right proximal medial tibia (inside shin bone) on Aug 17 vs. the Twins.

Initially believed to be a bone bruise, Mark attempted to return to play soon after only to discover in fact he had suffered a tibial fracture and was shut down for the remainder of the season.

The good news from a rehabilitation standpoint is the fracture is below the knee and did not disturb the joint. The bad news is the person with the injury is Mark Teixeira who has demonstrated the recuperative powers of an 80 year old osteoporotic, diabetic, smoker. Typical recovery time for this injury is 4-6 weeks. Mark Teixeira's recovery time has been considerably longer. I guess a gluten free diet doesn't speed bone healing.

Manager, Joe Girardi has said Teixeira's rehab has been going well so far. This may be so, however Mark will not be cleared to return to running until next month. This means he will be far behind his typical off season program of baseball specific lower body activities. Historically Mark is slow to get out of the gate at the start of the season. Maybe this change in off season program is a good thing.

Based on the evidence, I think rookie sensation Greg Bird is going to be needed more during the early 2016 season than many are expecting. Fantasy players proceed with caution with your selection of Mark Teixeira to your team.


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