The New York Mets is a great team for illustrating how TMS affects atheletes.
Yesterday, Kazui Matsui "sustained severe spasms in his lower back that could land him on the disabled list."
For those unfamiliar, Kaz was a superstar shortstop in Japan who the Mets signed with huge expectations. They moved their young budding superstar (Jose Reyes) out of his natural shortstop position to make room for this guy. (Jose was stricken with TMS injuries earlier in the year.)
It turns out Kazui is a terrible shortstop. The worst in the leage. He simply cannot play the position. It's a foregone conclusion that next year he will be asked to switch positions with Reyes.
Last week, with Kaz out for a couple of days, Reyes played shortstop. This was the first semi-public indication by the Mets that they had intentions to move Jose back there. When Kaz returned, he went back to his shortstop position, and promptly made a few more errors; one that cost his team the game.
No doubt that Kaz is under tremendous stress. He gets booed for his poor defense. He knows that Jose is a far better player, and that he will be forced to learn another position. He has not lived up to his high expectations.
Now, back spasms. Can TMS be more obvious? |
TMS and the New York Mets ... again
Posted - 08/09/2004 : 15:49:32
