D.J. Short

News: Alou Needs Hernia Surgery
By D.J. Short - Mar 5, 2008 8:29 pm

Moises Alou will miss the start of the season due to hernia surgery.

Alou suffered the injury during Monday’s game with the Braves.

He is expected to miss four-to-six weeks.

…if you are somehow surprised by this, you haven’t been around very long…

113 Responses to “News: Alou Needs Hernia Surgery”

  1. just great…things just keep getting better and better

  2. Metskin says:

    It’s the price you have for having a geriatric, albeit good, left fielder.

  3. jsr530 says:

    Let him heal and get ready for July, same thing with El Duque - see you for the stretch run. It’s a very long season so you can’t panic at all. Fernando Martinez is playing alot and you never know what he can do.

    • QueenOfQueens says:

      After seeing his fielding today I am not optimistic…we have to remember he is still young and developing in some ways. But then again, we are running out of options….

    • ghobot says:

      the thought of fernando martinez anywhere near this team frightens me to my core!

    • MetsFanInVegas says:

      I agree, just let the heal, at one point everyone will come together 100% healthy and in the meantime we’ll stay in the hunt

  4. XtraCraziiMets says:

    im not really surprised.. he will probly come back a week later after opening day

  5. altru426 says:

    what would be the season be without an injury to the outfield

  6. Mparty7441 says:

    Can you say F-Mart?

    • njitalnstaln says:

      Exactly what I was thinking… they were talking about it on Sports Nite on SNY tonight… Doc came up at 19 and was ready, why not try F-Mart out at 19? So far he seems unphased by all the buzz surrounding him this spring, why not give him a chance?

      • bonatom says:

        Compraing Doc K and F-Mart?!?!? Are you high?!?!?

        • ravi3 says:

          If is was an in season injury, then MAYBE this FMart talk has merit. With opening day about 4 weeks away, given the current diagnosis, Alou stands to miss the first two games, assuming the worst case scenario. It makes no sense to bring up Martinez for that. Barring any outside player acquisitions, you’ll see a rotation of Endy, Anderson, Easley, and *maybe* Valentin out in LF.

        • MetsFanInVegas says:

          They’re reporting it’s 4-6 weeks before he can resume doing anything baseball related so he’ll miss most of April

        • ravi3 says:

          Not sure how I forgot about Pagan, but he’d certainly be in the mix…prolly the primary guy the way his spring is going

        • mets484 says:

          Endy Chavez should not rotate through the position with anderson, easely, and pagan…. Whenever someone is injured in the outfield, endy chavez should become a starter, and then the rest fill in when necessary

          Endy Chavez, why are you so good?
          I hope you are starting today, I could see it no other way.

  7. Brooklyn Mets Fan says:

    I bet Omar goes out and acquires a steady backup OF tomorrow. Say goodbye to Joe Smith. I just hope THM Martinez isn’t rushed now.

    • MetsFanInVegas says:

      What about the trade rumor involving Jorge Sosa to the Tigers for Marcus Thames?

      • Brooklyn Mets Fan says:

        i know, i’m just hoping we hold on to Sosa if we can. He is our rotation depth. I count Pelfrey as our quasi 5th started. We have a litle more depth out of the bullpen.

        • MetsFanInVegas says:

          yeah I see what you’re saying

        • x-nady says:

          Word is that Mets Brass is very high on Register. I saw him pitch today. Pretty, Pretty, Pretty Good Stuff!

          I think the mets are thinking trade Sosa to get a 1B/LF (Thames, Millar) and have Register fill the long man role. He’s a rule V, so if he is not on the roster come opening day, he goes back to the Rockies.

        • mrose says:

          OFFERED back to the rockies at 25,000

      • crapple says:

        I like his pop, right-handed bat, and ability to play both OF and 1B. But .278 OBP last year, and a career .241 BA are not exactly mind blowing.

        • crapple says:

          Millar on the other hand, is an attractive addition. Sure his production slipped a bit in ‘07, but he still hit 17 homers, had 63 RBIs, and he has never been seriously hurt in his career. We could use that kind of consistency.

  8. Its about time, Alou. I was getting impatient.

  9. kapnasty says:

    So the calamities begin. Oh well as long as Alou is ready for the stretch things will be fine. This will probably make Omar pull the trigger on the Sosa, Thames trade.

  10. jsr530 says:

    I’m more concerned about Beltran, Delgado, Castillo, Church , Chavez than I am about Alou. He and El Duque were going to be hurt, so this is no surprise.

    • MetsFanInVegas says:

      I got a feeling all them will be ready by Opening Day, I don’t know how much they’ll play in Spring Training but the only one I’m really concerned about is Delgado, he might come back but will he even produce?

      • x-nady says:

        Church will be ok in a few days. We have Pagan if Endy is not ready. Schneider is still catching pitchers, just not playing in games to rest his tight hammy.

        Delgado, Beltran & Castillo are key. If they are not ready by opening day or suffer an extended injury, it is gonna be like the old days: russian roulette mets

  11. mza4eva says:

    so are you saying as of right now, the only major league outfielder we have available is Angel Pagan…Check please

    P.S. Willie don’t you think of playing either Wright or Reyes in anymore ST games

    • x-nady says:

      Brady Clark.

      But Endy says he will be ready for game action either this weekend or after. Church should be back soon too.

  12. I dont know if this has been brought up, but does anyone think it might be worth it to go after Melvin Mora? If I really correctly, can’t he play just about every position short of pitcher and catcher? He’s still got a solid bat and his defense is fine. He’s making a lot of money so maybe the Mets can get him as part of a salary dump. Any thoughts?

    • da burg's greatest says:

      nahh…never been a fan of his. i think someone like barry bonds would be better. why not?

      • If we got rid of Milledge because of his baggage and immaturity there is no way Omar can justify getting Bonds. He would bring the biggest dark cloud to the clubhouse. Granted he can still play ball, but all the other things surrounding his game outweigh his production, especially considering his defense at his age leaves alot to be desired. Plus we want to get younger.

        • Steve says:

          Barroid Bonds; the perfect solution for a team looking to get younger and healthier. Plus he’ll do wonders for team chemistry. He’ll take Martinez under his wing. I can see it now, Barroid running a clubhouse seminar on self injection techniques. Perfect.

        • MetsFanInVegas says:

          speaking of Milledge, I can’t wait till Martinez shuts him down tomorrow n brings his nice little .350 average down

        • Nightlife says:

          First off Barry would probably take a one year deal, especially on a team like this where he knows he has another shot at a ring. The guy probably hasn’t touched roids in years. He still posted a 1.045 OPS last season and has had over 200 more PAs than Alou has the past two seasons. Bonds and Alou have played together and both are going to need days off, they would make a killer platoon.

          This a win now type of team anyways, why not just go for it all?

      • mets484 says:

        NY hates bonds, if Omar got him then they wouldn’t need to worry about knocking Shea Stadium down, the fans would do it for them

  13. stone11375 says:

    ok, by my count, we’re at 14 injured so far

    Schneider - hamstring
    Alou - Hernia
    El Duque - Toe bunion
    Gotay - ankle
    Chavez - ankle
    Johnson - ?
    Church - Concussion
    Anderson - Chest
    Delgado - Hip flexor
    Abreu - Hip flexor
    Valentine - Knee
    Castillo - Knee
    Beltran - Knee
    Easily - ?

    • Monkeyborg says:

      I think that schneider is better by now, but I see your point.

    • hyperion4 says:

      You can add that Duaner Sanchez is still experiencing arm soreness and it’s not known when he will pitch next.

    • Nate W. says:

      Counting Johnson is a little silly… he’s recovering from a significant ankle injury from last year. He was signed hurt.

      also, we have no Valentine on the team…

  14. Coolpapabell says:

    To think that he was on SNY to talking about a possible contract extension with the Mets. Well, Marcus Thames would help, make it happen Omar.

  15. Nightlife says:

    Having had a hernia repaired laparoscopically about 6 years ago, I can say it was painless and I was back on my feet within a day (saved the pain medication so I could properly abuse it later being a highschooler and all). It was just painful to bend over for about a week. I was doing physical activity at week 2 and “felt” 100% by week 3 (though I was still probably going against doctors orders) .

    Then again I was 17 at the time and not 62 like Alou.

    …..sign Bonds?

  16. sambo says:

    2008 Mets: Your season is already over

  17. mza4eva says:

    All kidding aside…I really don’t want to rush FMart to the “show” he’s hitting right now but I don’t want to mess with his development. The start of the schedule is soft, we could manage, right?
    .
    .
    .
    right?

    • Monkeyborg says:

      How old is Pagan? If he keeps this up, he could sub for the first few weeks.

      • MetsFanInVegas says:

        Pagan is 26

        • mets484 says:

          he reminds be of carlos gomez, except he can hit better lol

          i remember last year my friend (who’s a red sox fan) told me that it was the biggest mistake for the Mets to sell Pagan to the Cubs…. then when they got him back earlier this year, i shoved it in his face lol

  18. Steve says:

    From here forward, Barroid Bonds is “the B word”. Let’s keep this clean.

  19. hyperion4 says:

    Thames and Millar are possibilities. Don’t expect Omar to go out and get someone like Nady. The Pirates (no longer mismanaged by Dave Littlefield) will demand a king’s ransom, especially that the Mets’ needs are so obvious.

    FMart’s not a realistic possibility. Thames and Millar have demonstrated the ability to play both full-time and part-time, which is an advantage. The guy they acquire should be good enough to fill in for a stretch of games, but also able to serve as a bench player when the regulars are healthy. Both Thames and Millar can play both 1B and the OF — although I wouldn’t be too eager to see Millar horsing around in the OF.

  20. Wright Stuff says:

    I agree that we should not rush THM Martinez. Not only would it hurt his development to see less pitches and not get as many at bats before hitting the major leagues where production is everything and where you play at the highest level, but even though he is a THM, I don’t think he would help us the most. I know Gomez was not hyped as much as a hitter but that guy did not see a breaking ball in the dirt that he didn’t want to swing out. Even Lastings, who all the scouts now claim to love, didn’t know a breaking ball he didn’t like to swing and miss on. Ideally, in my opinion, we should do a minor trade for a 1B/OF guy. I’ve heard Thames name thrown around. What about Kevin Millar - he’s supposed to be a great clubhouse guy as well. Also, can Dan Johnon of the A’s play outfield? Can Kendry Morales? What would it take to get Nady? Anybody hear anything?

  21. Azman426 says:

    Anyone else notice that the majority of these injuries ( except for 2) are lower body injuries (from the hip down) ?

    No arms, no fingers ( knock on wood)… just legs and hips.

  22. backinbusiness says:

    Yeah, I’ve been touting Kendry Morales on another thread. He played 6 games in RF last year and 3 others in his career. Not so great. But he really can be our 1B of the future. Another LAA who could work and is currenly under used is Juan Rivera. Plays all OF positions.

    Anyone know how exactly Alou sustained this injury? I don’t recall any particularly scary play.

    • Coolpapabell says:

      He was putting on his cleats.

    • Nate W. says:

      I like Morales as well, but I would think the Angels would start by asking for Pelfrey of FM straight up. Is there anything to counter with in the organization that isnt a joke compared to Pelfrey or FM? Not at all…

      • backinbusiness says:

        what about something like a (sosa or schoe) + niese? (just off the top of my head).

  23. bloodbath97 says:

    Doesn’t Bonds actually make a lot of sense? He plays the same terrible defense as Alou and both are hurt at least half the time. But everyone knows Bonds can hit and he gets on base a ton. You quasi-platoon them and bench them in the late innings for Endy. This helps the injury factor for both of them because it would limit their playing time and it would leave a power bat on the bench for late innings. Whats the downside?

    I understand the mess that the Barry Bonds show in NYC would cause but baseball-wise it makes a ton of sense. And it would be hugely entertaining to see the NY media have a collective aneurysm.

    • Nightlife says:

      Its like making a deal with the devil, but I agree. Heres a good quote from the Baseball Prospectus 2008 on Bonds;

      “If you focus on his performance, however, you realize he can help any team win a World Series. There’s a lot of circus a team can endure if there’s a parade at the end of it.”

    • x-nady says:

      Not gonna happen.

      And Alou plays more than adequate defense…that is when he is on the field.

      • bloodbath97 says:

        Alou is most defiantly not playing because of his defense. Alou’s zone rating and fielding percentages were both marginally lower then Bonds last year.

        Bonds’ OBP last year was 64 points higher then the highest Met. His OPS was 82 points higher.

        It really makes a lot of sense.

    • mets484 says:

      the only way I’d be satisfied with the Mets getting Bonds is if it was for him to be our batboy…. that would be hilarious lol!!!

    • dave27 says:

      Other than the obvious reasons, this lineup is too lefty-heavy as it is.

    • zabado says:

      I agree — and here’s how you do it. Talk to the veteran players. If you get their buy-in, sign Barry, and buy him a 1st baseman’s glove too. If we win with/because of Barry, NY will love him, like SF did (w/o a championship).

  24. DpOblivion says:

    There’s really no reason to rush Martinez at this point. I don’t even think we need to make a trade. Assuming Endy will be okay, he should fill in nicely, while Pagan serves as a backup.

    Then again, if Endy’s in there, we now have four lefties in a row at the bottom of the lineup….

  25. Steal Home Jose! says:

    Pagan and Endy will suffice.

    If something happens to either of them, we can just use Milledge and Gomez like last year.

    • Nate W. says:

      yea, fortunately Pagan and Clark have been playing well this spring.

      unfortunately Pagan and Clark are the opening day CF and RF until Beltran or Church or Endy get on the field… still need a LF.

  26. VCarver says:

    No Bonds. I’d vomit if they signed him.

    I’d rather they use F-Mart this year. He’s holding his own in spring training. He’s very mature. He seems very calm. And if it doesn’t work out, then no problem. Just send him back to Bingo or NO. It’s not going to kill him if he needs to be sent back to the minors.

    I wouldn’t be saying this if F-Mart looks lost at the plate or seems to struggle. But he just seems like he’s a natural and is doing things effortlessly. And really, his defense couldn’t be any worse than Alou’s. Milledge’s and Green’s defense wasn’t great last year either

    I want to see F-Mart play..

    • ASod1975 says:

      I agree whole-heartedly. Someone on another thread told me there’s no such thing as team chemistry in baseball, but that would be put to the ultimate test if the Mets signed Barroids. Please stay away, Mets….

  27. keylon says:

    Let’s just hope we can get a little luck on our side because right know I am not feeling as confident even with Santana. I mean we only have two regulars fully healthy and from the bench maybe one or two. Its getting bad early for us, or maybe it’s just that these are the METS.

  28. Constnza81V2.0 says:

    I thought Alou was going to get 500 ABs this year????

  29. letsgomex says:

    Angel Pagan, here we go!

  30. jlazar2 says:

    “2008 Mets: Pour some ‘tussin on it.”

    Hahahahah funniest thing ever posted on Metsblog haha

  31. Happy Endy says:

    Could any of you guys seriously cheer for Bonds at Shea?

    Come on, I would rather see Patty Burrell or Larry Jones in a Mets Uniform…

  32. chaseh says:

    ring ring…ring ring…hello Shawn, you sure it’s West coast or retirement?

  33. marvelousmarv says:

    The problem w/Alou’s injury is that we weren’t expecting this injury this soon. Its stil a long season and something else will come up.

  34. pedros rooster says:

    innaword made a great suggestion: Lofton. Thoughts?

  35. dave27 says:

    Lofton and Green are lefties. Alou’s spot needs to be taken by a righty.

    Available RH-hitting free agents: Rondell White, Reggie Sanders, Preston Wilson.

    Thames could make alot of sense. I’d deal Sosa for him - he’s an every other year guy anyway. I’d rather hold on to Register…he’s got a nice live arm.

  36. andyglass1 says:

    Thoughts on Lofton ? I think he’s old. I think he could once wreak havoc on the basepaths and was a real catalyst. (I think that was at least 10 yrs ago). I think the Braves had their fill and quickly sent his ass packing after just one season. I think he is known as a selfish guy vs. a team oriented clubhouse kind of guy. (But realistically, that is just repeating things I’ve only read). I think he is an injury waiting to happen, primarily b/c of his age. I think he can be a nice limited role player, but not a semi starter over a long time frame. I think we need younger players with upsides —> kind of like LM & CG, although I believe Church and Santana make us better and cant complain about the deals that brought them here.

  37. nagel100 says:

    sign Sosa and Bonds.

    steroids are good for you

  38. ksuth says:

    CoCo Crisp? lol…

  39. thecoup says:

    Dear Mr. D.J. Short,

    There are many reasons that everyone is a fan of M Cerrone. For one, he avoids sarcasm that talks down to the fans.

    …if you are somehow surprised by this, you haven’t been around very long…

    What you said isn’t terrible, but it isn’t necessary. Is a new ten year old fan a bad thing? Is he stupid?

    I’m an old fan. And I have been around a while. I know that Alou will never play more than 90 games in a season again. But I’m still surprised to hear he got hurt. Why because I’m ever faithful to the fantasy of a perfect season. Always excited when things are working, wishing for more when they don’t.

    • christian warrior says:

      DJ never said that not being surprised was a bad thing. He said that if you were not surprised by this you have not been around very long. 10 year old fans have not been around very long. Chill.

  40. Broadway Joe says:

    am starting to get sick and tired of this crap excuse about us fans shouldn’t be surprised if alou gets injured and misses half the dam year so just cause we shouldn’t be surprised it makes it right for this guy to miss 70 games a season …and mr .Cerrone ive been around while and im still surprised….!! surprised that we keep this guy under contract he cant even sign for a contract with seasons in it ..more like sign a contract worth 1 million for 70 games … for god sakes all the top contending teams in the league are getting younger and better .. why must the mets farm system .be horrible and we have to rely on a first basemen with a bumb hip , a right fielder that cant see straight a second basemen who cant run like he use to and a catcher whos job is to bend on his knees the whole dam game have a hamstring problem …we better get to work cause this team owes us after the crap the pulled last season

  41. sincekindergarten says:

    I would have said that the over/under of the games Alou would be in would be somewhere near 92. I’m still saying that. When he’s healthy, he absolutely kills lefties (.349 or something like that). I’m glad that this injury is now, as opposed to, say, the ASB, when his loss would really hurt the team.

    As others have said, Brady Clark and Angel Pagan (as a Catholic, I love that name) will be with the team at the start of the year. Hell, Ben Johnson might even be up. Marlon Anderson and Damion Easley will be regular fixtures in the outfield. And, we might see Marcus Thanmes or Brandon Inge. How many of us thought that we’d never get Johan, at the beginning of December (or even the beginning of January)? Omar will pull us through. If the Johan saga taught me anything, it was, Have faith!

    Don’t write ourselves off so early. There’s a reason the season is 162 games.

  42. christian warrior says:

    What…did he try to “pick up” his teammates during the Braves game?

  43. shamsky says:

    Where is the old governor Tom Kean from New Jersey.

    We need him to do a spot for us.

    The Mets and The Hospital for Special Surgery, purrrfect together.