The Tragic Side of the Game

Coaches often like to start assessment of their club's potential with the phrase, "If we can stay healthy..." And it's no wonder, considering the impact injuries can have on a franchise, in both the short- and long-term. Losing a star for 2 months can be enough of a setback to completely derail a playoff contender. So, here's a look at some of the high-profile injuries that have made headlines thus far in Season 2.

SS George LaRocca, Hartford Hartattacks
Bulging disk in back, 44 days until healthy
- One of the premiere hitters in the league and a key piece of Hartford's title run one year ago, LaRocca went down in the 1st inning of a 7-6 loss to the New York Monarchs. The loss of LaRocca from the Hartattacks' offensive attack was deemed significant enough by GM hartjh14 that he chased down a replacement on the trade market. It took 3 prospects, but Hartford landed RF Keith Osbourne from the Cincinnati Boomers. Osbourne has performed very admirably for his new team, hitting .324 with 9 HRs and 18 RBIs in 18 games. Once LaRocca returns, the Hartattacks should have all kinds of offensive flexibility, making them a scary team in that hitters' park of theirs. Of course, defending world champions with a 5-game lead on their division are always scary.

SP Hamish Harvey, Louisville Sluggers
Elbow surgery, 127 days until healthy

- One of the biggest pitching free agents of the offseason is already done for the year after signing a 5-year deal worth $34.6 million with the Louisville Sluggers. Harvey spent Season 1 in Charlotte, where he put up very solid numbers for the Knights. The world was his oyster upon hitting the open market, and he cashed in only to flame out after 4 starts. Granted, he looked absolutely dominant in his 4 starts, going 3-0 with a 0.86 ERA and an even lower WHIP. The Sluggers currently lead their division without him, so no one is throwing them a pity party, but injuries still sting. If nothing else, they can take solace in the fact that they've got Harvey locked up for 4 more seasons, and if he comes anywhere close to his pre-injury numbers, he will still prove a good investment.

RP Quentin Conroy, Buffalo Bulldozers

Elbow surgery, 63 days until healthy

- Returning to the AL East, we find the story of Quentin Conroy which has more peaks and valleys than a roller coaster. On the day of the Rule 5 Draft, Conroy got the notification that he had been selected 19th overall by the Buffalo Bulldozers. For young prospects, there are not many greater thrills than being a Rule 5 selection, as it gives players the opportunity to play in the bigs all season if things go well. Unfortunately for 22-year-old Conroy, leaping to the major leagues from the Texas Longhorns' High A team got to him. He made 4 relief appearances and posted an 18.90 ERA over 3.1 innings before deciding he'd serve his team better by going under the knife than toeing the rubber. Conroy has some great stuff and will likely become a useful setup man someday, but this simply was not his year.