Gimenez to have season-ending surgery

[Bob Sakamano]

The Link

Quote:
Astros catcher Gimenez expected to have shoulder surgery

By JOSE DE JESUS ORTIZ
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

KISSIMMEE, Fla. - Hector Gimenez, who entered Astros training camp competing for the backup catcher?s job, expects to have right shoulder surgery to repair a torn right labrum. He was examined by Dr. Tom Lintner on today.

It appears as though Gimenez will be lost for the season, he says.

?I think I?m going to lose the year,? he said. ?For me it?s difficult, but it?s a problem I?ve had for two years now. I get better and then it gets hurt again, better and then hurt again. I?d rather lose a year than my whole career.?

Humberto, it's your job.  

[pravata]

Footer strategically reminds us that this opens a spot on the 40 The Link

Munson is still a possible.  But he's just a stop gap.  The way Purpura was talking about the future of the catching spot, they may want to give Quintero an extended chance.  There was some consideration that since both catchers were out of options the Astros might try to use one in a trade scenario.  That is obviously gone now.

[Bob Sakamano]

Quote:
Footer strategically reminds us that this opens a spot on the 40 The Link

Munson is still a possible.  But he's just a stop gap.  The way Purpura was talking about the future of the catching spot, they may want to give Quintero an extended chance.  There was some consideration that since both catchers were out of options the Astros might try to use one in a trade scenario.  That is obviously gone now.

I'd agree with that. Most folks, Footer included, in the offseason have discussed the backup catcher having a significantly more important role (maybe 2 out of 5 instead of 1 out of 5) this season given Ausmus' age. Given that, I'd guess the defensive skills of the backup catcher become more important, and that's what gives Quintero a huge edge now.

[MusicMan]

Quote:
Footer strategically reminds us that this opens a spot on the 40 The Link

Munson is still a possible.  But he's just a stop gap.  The way Purpura was talking about the future of the catching spot, they may want to give Quintero an extended chance.  There was some consideration that since both catchers were out of options the Astros might try to use one in a trade scenario.  That is obviously gone now.

More likely than Munson would be one of the NRI's (Hidalgo or a reliever).

[TheWizard]

Tough break for Gimenez.