For baseball’s sake, you hope it is just a fluke. But for now the league isn’t reaping the benefits of last year’s brilliant class of rookie talent. That’s because the best of the young players who electrified the sport in 2010 are dealing with serious injuries. None is career threatening. But it still takes a chunk of fun out of the 2011 season.
Fans in Washington knew it was going to be that way. Phenom pitcher Stephen Strasburg tore the ulnar collateral ligament in his right arm Aug. 21 and needed Tommy John surgery. He is progressing but at best would return in September. Even then the Nats may decide to wait until next spring.
That was a disappointment. But no one expected the broken ankle suffered by Giants catcher Buster Posey when he blocked the plate in a game against the Florida Marlins on May 25. The Giants — despite winning a World Series title last year — are hardly an offensive powerhouse. Even with Posey they rank 28th in runs scored in 2011. His absence alone at such a crucial position could swing the National League West race.
Meanwhile, the man who was beaten out by Posey for NL rookie of the year in 2010 is dealing with health issues, too. Atlanta’s Jayson Heyward had a sore right shoulder in spring training, and it limited him during a rough April. And just when he began pounding the ball again, the shoulder pain flared. He finally went on the disabled list May 22. Heyward was just 4-for-41 in May with no RBI. That’s not the same kid who had 18 homers and a .393 on-base percentage last year, helping the Braves reach the playoffs.
There are other fine rookies from 2010 still performing. Cincinnati’s Mike Leake is settling down after a difficult start. Gaby Sanchez and Mike Stanton are still mashing for the Marlins. Brian Matusz made his first start of the year — and looked great — for Baltimore on Wednesday. But for now — and for at least a little while longer — the electricity those three biggest stars provided is missing.
